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HudE. Tp-: 



1868. 



MEMORIAL SKETCH .888. 



HYDE PARK, MASS., 



FIRST TWENTY YEARS OF ITS CORPORATE EXIST- 
ENCE: ALSO ITS INDUSTRIES, STATISTICS, 
AND ORGANIZATIONS, 



TOGETHER WITH THE 



ANNIYERSARY ADDRESSES, DELIYERED BY REY. PERLEY 
B. DA\'IS. AND REV. RICHARD J. BARRY. 



COMPILED BY 



JOS. KING KNIGHT, D. D. S., 
EDMUND DAVIS, Esq., HENRY B. HUMPHREY. 

CoviniUtee. 



BOSTON: 

L. BARTA & CO., PRINTERS, 

54 Pearl Street, 

188S. 






To tJic Hofiorab/c the Senate and House of Representatives of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts in the General Court assembled : 

The undersigned, citizens of the portions of Dorchester, Milton, and 
Dedham, called Hyde Park, believing that the common interest will be 
promcrted thereby, respectfully petition your honorable body to pass an act 
incorporating the town of Hyde Park, to be composed of such portions 
of the territory of each of said towns of Dorchester, Milton and Dedham, 
as may seem most proper and expedient. 



(Signed) Alpheus P. Blake. 
David Higgins. 
William J. Stuart. 
Henry S. Adams. 
Benjamin F. Radford. 
Gordon H. Nott. 
James Downing. 
C. C. Bradbury. 



Waldo F. Ward. 
William Rogers. 
C. F. Gerry. 
Robert Bleakie. 
George B. Parrott. 
E. P. Davis. 
S. A. Bradbury. 
W. T. Thacher. 



Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ) 
Secretary's Department, I 

Boston, Nov. 19, 1.S67. 

I approve the publication of the above petition in the Boston Daily 
Transcript, Boston Daily Adi'erfiser, and Dedham Gazette. 

(Signed) OLIVER WARNER. 

Secretary. 






CHAPTER 139 OF THE ACTS OF 1868. 



AN ACT 

TO I\C(M>lPORATE THE TOWN OF HYDE PARK. 

Bt' it enacted, etc., as follmvs : 

Section i. All the territory now wnthin the towns ol Dorchester, 
Dedham,and Milton, in the county of Norfolk, comprised within the follow- 
ing limits, that is to say : beginning at the northeasterly side of Paul's 
Bridge, so called, where it crosses Neponset River from Milton to Dedham ; 
thence running down the Neponset River by the thread of the stream 
to a point two thousand and thirteen feet below the lower side of Paul's 
Bridge ; th&nce by a line running north sixty-six and one-third degrees 
east (magnetic) five thousand three hundred and forty-four feet, to a point 
in the field northwest of E. W. Capen's house, and measuring one hundred 
and fifteen feet; on a course south, eighty-seven degrees east (magnetic) 
from an oak tree; thence north ten degrees (magnetic) two thousand 
seven hundred and eight feet to the boundary wall of land of James M. 
Robbins ; thence by said wall and a continuation thereof north twenty-five 
and one-third degrees west (magnetic) one thousand seven hundred and 
fifty-seven feet to the Neponset River; then running northeasterly by a 
straight line passing from said last mentioned point, through a point 
distant fifty feet northwesterly from the northwesterly corner of the house 
of Amor HoUingsworth to Neponset River; then running northeasterly, 
following the said Neponset River to a point where the line of the said 
river intersects a straight line drawn from a point on the westerly line of 
Brush Hill Road, distant eleven hundred feet southwesterly from the 
junction of Brush Hill road and Brush Hill turnpike to a point on the 
Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad, distant fourteen hundred feet northeasterly 
from the railroad bridge over River Street in Dorchester at the station on 
said railroad now called River Street Station ; then crossing the said 
Neponset River in continuation of the said line, and continuing north- 
westerly in the same course, and in a straight line, to the present boundary 
line between Dorchester and West Roxbury ; then running southwesterly 
on the present boundary line between Dorchester and West Roxbury to a 
monument on the present boundary line between Dorchester and Dedham, 
being the extreme westerly point of the present town of Dorchester : then 
running southeasterly on the present boundary line between the towns of 
Dedham and Dorchester, one hundred and nine rods, to a monument on a 
hill, being: one of the monuments between the towns of Dedham and 



Dorchester ; then running southerly in a straight line to a point in the centre 
of the Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad, distant one hundred and forty-six 
rods westerly from the point where the centre line of said railroad crosses 
the centre line of the Boston & Providence railroad at Readville, so-called ; 
then running southeasterly in a straight line to a monument on Neponset 
River, at the corner of the towns of Milton, Canton, and Dedham, being the 
extreme northerly point of the town of Canton, then running northeasterly 
on said river to the point of beginning: is hereby incorporated into a 
town by the name of Hyde Park; and said town of Hyde Park is hereby 
invested with all the powers, privileges, rights, and immunities, and is 
subject to all the duties and requisitions to which other towns are entitled 
and subjected by the constitution and laws of this Commonwealth. 

Section 2. (Relates to taxes.) 

Section 3. (Relates to support of poor.) 

Section 4. (Relates to corporate property.) 

Section 5. (Provides for choice of State and Federal officers.) 

Section 6. (Provides that certain streets may be extended, and, when 
completed, to be public ways of Milton.) 

Section 7. Any justice of the peace within and for the county of 
Norfolk may issue his warrant, directed to any principal inhabitant of the 
town of Hyde Park, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants 
thereof, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the time and place 
appointed, for the purpose of choosing all such town officers as towns 
are by law authorized and required to choose at their annual meetings ; and 
said warrant shall be served by posting up copies thereof, all attested by 
the person to whom the same is directed, in three public places in said 
town, seven days at least before such meeting. Such justice, or in his 
absence, such principal inhabitant, shall preside until the choice of modera- 
tor in said meeting. The selectmen of the towns of Dorchester, Milton, and 
Dedham, shall, before said meeting, prepare a list of voters from their 
respective towns within said Hyde Park qualified to vote at said meeting, 
and shall deliver the same to the person presiding at such meeting before 
the choice of a moderator thereof. 

Secton 8. This act shall take effect upon its passage. Approved 
April 22, 1868. 



AJvIENDNlENX. 

Be it enacted^ etc., as fot/ows : 

Section i. Chapter one hundred and thirty-nine of the acts of the year 
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, is hereby amended by insert- 
ing, in the tenth line of the first section thereof, after the words, " thence 
north ten degrees,'' the word "east"' ; and by striking out, after the words 
"to the Neponset River," in the fourteenth line of said first section, the 
words "then running northeasterly by a straight line passing from said 
last mentioned point, through a point distant fifty feet northwesterly from 
the northwesterly corner of the house of Amor HoUingsworth to Neponset 
River." 

Section 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage. Approved Mav 
I, 1868. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



To the Citizots of Hyde Park : 

Your sub-committee on statistics are, unfortunately, very busy men, and 
the time given to prepare this little volume exceedingly limited, so the work 
has necessarily been very hurried, and no one can be more cognizant of its 
defects than are its compilers. We put it forth, however, trusting that it 
mav receive your approval and serve as an aid to future historians of our 
attractive town. 

We were fortunate in having as a basis the excellent article written by 
one of the committee, Mr. Edmund Davis, for the history of Norfolk County, 
and are thus enabled to present a much more complete sketch than we 
could otherwise have done. 

The plan has been to present a concise history, followed by condensed 
statistics taken from the official records, and a grouping of all the organiza- 
tions which have existed here since the incorporation, so far as we have 
been able to gather such information. As the family is what the individual 
members make it. so we feel a town is largely influenced by the organiza- 
tions which are found within its borders ; and we certainly have no reason for 
complaint as to the number or character of those which have found a lodge- 
ment here. , . x. ^ y 

The addresses by Rev. P. B. Davis, Rev. Richard J. Barry, and the pio- 
gramme of exercises of the twentieth anniversary which are appended, will 
serve as interesting mementoes of the occasion. _ _ 

We are pleased to be able to produce a number of fine illustrations which 
we believe have never before appeared in print, and which add very materi- 
ally to the permanent value of the book. The tirst Board of Selectmen, the 
view of Fairmount in 1857, and old Sumner Hall, will carry us back to our 
early days, while the other views of the town, of the Crew School, and some 
of the various churches, will indicate a measure of the prosperity which at- 
tends us to-day. , , . , , ^ 

We return our grateful thanks to the many who have assisted us, but we 
feel that we are under special obligations to Mr. H. A. Rich, who placed be- 
fore us a large amount of local historical matter, to Mr. Wm. H. Barritt, 
who put at our disposal a large selection of photographs, and to Messrs. H. 
S. Bunton, Chas. F. Jenney, D. F. Wood, Chas. S Norris, C. C Chick, 
Mrs. C. Stewart Weld, Mrs. H. A. B. Thompson, and Mrs. A. E. Ciles. who 
have each contributed articles of special worth. 

To the active efforts of Mr. Henry B. Humphrey we are mdebted for the 
production of the book in its present form. We earnestly hope that we 
have merited your approbation, and that your criticism will be tempered 
with charity. That the twentieth celebration may blossom into the quarter- 
centennial, and that be the forerunner of the semi-centennial and centennial, 
and that yon all mav be here to enjoy them, is the humble wish of_ your 



Chronicler. 



J. 



HISTORICAL POEM. 



READ BEFORE THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON THE NINETEENTH ANNIVER- 
SARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN. 



I. HUMPHREY, 



'Tis but a generation past, 

And yet there lingers m our thougiit 
The light and shadow time has cast 

On this the land our Pilgrims sought ; 
Like other pilgrims, ages past, 

Who fled from Egypt's blighting curse, 
So journeyed they, and found at last 

This modern Canaan of our verse. 

No '' milk and honey " lured them liere, 

No "grapes of Eshcol " met their sight, 
No frowning walls awakened fear, 

Xo battling hosts suggested flight ; 
From the fair heights they viewed the land, 

Its native beauty charmed and cheered. 
With prophet's eye they clearly scanned. 

Our town in embryo appeared. 

Beneath their feet the vale revealed 

A wealth of foliage interlaced, 
While here and there a shattered field 

Disclosed the culture nature traced ; 
The flowing river glistened through 

The myriad windows of the wood. 
While over-arched, the heaven of blue 

Hallowed the ground whereon they stood. 

Gently there rose beyond the vale 

The mounded verdure to their view. 
Just faintly seen, and flecked with sail, 

The land-girt hem of ocean blue; 
The hill and valley, sky and sea. 

The stream, the foliage and field, 
Together made their graceful plea. 

And forced our pilgrim band to yield. 



When homes ideal thrill the mind. 

If hearts are seeking love's abode. 
The wilhng hand will surely find 

A way to lift life's heavy load. 
Daily they toiled with new-born zeal • 

To find within the woods' embrace 
The treasure of the common weal, 

A peaceful, love-lit dwelling place. 

Give honor to our youthful sires 

Who laid the waiting forest low, 
.\nd kindled here the gleaming fires, 

Which shed on us then- after-glow ; 
Who built in vale, on slope and hill. 

The homes which are our sure defence. 
And safeguards reared to baffle ill, 

And give to toil its recompense. 

We cannot picture with the pen 

The steady march which centered here. 
Of gracious women, noble men, 

With quick'ning step from year to year ; 
Never before in three decades, 

Within the confines of our state. 
Has population pierced the shades, 

And swung so wide the social gate. 

They brought the seeds of wealth's increase, 

Of art, of poesy, and song ; 
They brought the never-ending lease 

Of blessing to our later throng. 
Invidious praise is oft unwise. 

And yet we cannot well forbear 
To look into life's dreamy skies 

For names which fame has written there. 



Could we but mention name by name 

Those who have yielded us renown, 
Our list would fill a scroll of fame 

Lustrous with glory for our town. 
We only jot them here and there, 

To hint of genius, worth, and skill, 
And leave the page so bright and fair 

For truer hands to later fill. 

The name of Blake, the pioneer, 

Stands forth on our historic scroll, 
Circled by those we hold so dear, 

The " Twenty " on our early roll. 
Among our veterans, Henry Grew, 

Grown dearer with advancing age ; 
Our royal list has Weld the true, 

Scholar and patriot, friend and sage. 

The honored name of woman brings 

A glorious list in all the years ; 
Wherever vice or ruin clings, 

She gives her words, her deeds, her tears. 
The " Grimke Sisters," human rights 

Found in their lives a service strong, 
They join with her who nobly smites 

In our own day our present wrong. 

Our Reverend Davis, as of old, 

Is ringing still the Gospel Bells, 
The heavenly chime which has foretold 

The home where love eternal dwells ; 
In clearer tones may they proclaim 

The advent of a purer day, 
When Christ-like lives shall be the flame 

To light us on the better way. 



In glint of sunlight, bloom of flower. 

We find the artist Enneking. 
In " Poets' Corner," here we cower, 

Just mindful that the time is spring. 
The pages of romance reveal 

Sylvanus Cobb, of " Ledger" fame : 
Impassioned youth has set its seal 

Beside our story-teller's name. 

Gerry and Stuart, Cable, Stark, 

Moseley and Jenney, in the list 
Who've borne the legislative ark. 

Why not let some of us assist ? 
Our lawyers ? No, 'twill never do 

To " cite a case," we pass them all, 
And " clear the docket " ; life were true 

If 'tweren't for them and Adam's fall. 

We stay our muse, for words would fail 

To sketch the picture of our thought ; 
We will not try to " rend the vail " 

For words with inspiration fraught. 
Enough for us to touch the springs 

Of recollection's mystic power. 
To wake the voice that sweetly sings. 

And charm away the present hour. 

Return and stand upon the height, 

Behold the glory of the scene, 
Look where the shadow and the light 

Are drifting in the vale between. 
Hear once again the river's flow. 

The melting note of woodland bird. 
Bathe in the morning, evening glow. 

And list to Nature's quiet word. 



HISTORICAL. 



Hyde Park lies in the eastern part of the county, and is 
about seven miles from the State House in Boston. It is 
bounded on the north by the part of Boston which formerly 
constituted the town of West Roxbury, on the east by the 
part of Boston which was formerly Dorchester, on the southeast 
and south by Milton, and on the west by Dedham. Two lines 
of railroad — the Boston & Providence, and the New York & 
New England — run through it, being about one and one-third 
miles apart where they enter the town on the northeast, and 
gradually approaching and crossing each other on the southwest 
near the Dedham line. There are seven stations within the 
limits of the town ; four on the Boston & Providence Railroad, 
and three on the New York & New England Railroad. The 
Neponset River flows through the town in a course approxi- 
mately parallel with the railroads, part of the way forming the 
boundary between it and Milton. 

Mother Brook, a water course partly a stream and partly a 
canal, leading from the Charles River, enters the town on the 
west and empties into the Neponset near the centre of the 
town. Further natural drainage is afforded by a small brook 
running toward the northeast and emptying into Stony Brook, 
which has given our neighbors of Boston so much trouble and 
expense. 

The area of the town is two thousand eight hundred acres, 
of which about two hundred acres are devoted to streets or 
ways. This fact argues a pretty close settlement, which is, 
indeed, the case, there being fifteen hundred and twelve houses, 
containing upwards of nine thousand inhabitants. 

The surface of the land is somewhat diversified by hill and 
plain; enough so to please the eye, without causing much in- 



convenience to road-makers or builders. None of the hills are 
so high that they cannot be easily surmounted ; none of the 
valleys so low that good drainage cannot be obtained. Be- 
tween the railroads the surface is for the most part quite level, 
the beautiful little eminence of Mount Neponset being the 
most noticeable exception. 

East of the Neponset River the land rises somewhat 
abruptly, forming Fairmount Heights, the place where the 
pioneers of this new town first founded their homes, and which 
to-day is closely covered with pleasant, and in some instances 
elegant, residences, bordered by wide and well-shaded streets 
and avenues. West of the Boston & Providence Railroad 
the surface again swells into slight knolls and elevations, upon 
which stand many fine residences. This portion is known as 
Sunnyside, and still farther beyond this is a considerable 
tract of hilly and rocky territory forming a part of the rugged, 
woody wilderness, known as Muddy Pond Woods. These 
extend far beyond the town limits and into Dedham and 
Boston. They are a favorite resort of pleasure-seekers, 
traversed as they are in all directions by numerous wood-roads, 
and it has been well said that, " immersed in this maze of 
sylvan delights, one hardly realizes that he is within a few 
miles of the metropolis of New England, and requires but little 
imagination to persuade himself that he is among the primeval 
forests of Maine." 

Readville is the name of the southeast portion of the town, 
and is for the most part a level plain, not so closely built over 
as the other parts. 

In this section, however, and the territory adjoining it, the 
greater part of the manufactories are located. A branch rail- 
road to Dedham Centre leaves the Boston & Providence 
Railroad here. Towards the northeast part of the town, on the 
same railroad, are the pleasant and thriving districts of Hazle- 
wood and Clarendon Hills. 

Opposite the former, at about a quarter of a mile's distance, 
on a gently rising hill, stands the residence of Mr. Henry 
Grew, the house and its grounds on the sloping hillside backed 
by the forest, forming a charming landscape. Still another 



small village is clustered around the paper mills of Messrs. 
Tileston & Hollingsvvorth, at the eastern extremity of River 
Street, and near the River Street station, on the New ^'ork 
& New England Railroad. 

These several districts, though thus distinguished by distinc- 
tive names, ^e by no means isolated and separate villages ; one 
touches upon another, the rows of houses continue unbroken, 
and there is nothing in the way of unoccupied territory to mark 
the end of one section or the beginning of another. The town 
is compact, and its divisions thoroughly welded together. 

Hyde Park is a town of to-day, and its history is the history 
of to-day. Incorporated in 1868, anything which is to be said 
about it prior to that time belongs to the history of* those 
adjoining towns from whose territory it was made up. The 
writer is thus deprived of the greater part of that material 
which age in the subject affords. As mists and vapors in the 
atmosphere lend to the outlines of objects at a distance more 
graceful and pleasing, and at the same time larger and more 
imposing, proportions, so the mists of time constitute media 
through which the men and events of long ago, though in- 
distinct and shadowy, seem all the more grand and impressive. 
We spiritualize the old, we rigidly keep the new down to hard 
practicality. 

Yet in this brief review of Hyde Park as it is to-day after its 
short existence of a score of years, it will be necessary to go 
a little beyond its corporate life and examine those influences 
to which it owes its being and the circumstances and surround- 
ings which attended its inception. One standing to-day upon the 
top of any of the small eminences which diversify the surface 
of the town, may, if the atmosphere is clear, sweep with his eye 
the lower harbor of Boston on the east ; the Blue Hills which 
skirt the horizon on the southeast ; the valley of the Neponset 
to the south glimmering through the green meadows, and to the 
west and north the elevated lands of the neighboring towns, 
while at his feet lie in thick profusion the hundreds of houses 
and miles of streets and avenues which go to make up the town 
of Hyde Park. The spires of churches, belfries, and tall 
chimneys of manufactories, the smoke of locomotives, and long 



lines of railways arrest the eyes, the hum of travel and traffic 
rises to the ear. Everything betokening the presence of nine 
thousand .souls is manifest to the senses. But far different was 
the view which awaited the anxious vision of the examining 
committee of pioneers in 1856; then, indeed, the hills, the 
rivers, and the high lands were to be seen in the.distance, but 
nearer at hand little to mark the presence of man. There was 
then no considerable village on the line of the Boston & 
Providence Railroad from Jamaica Plain to the Canton viaduct. 
The territory between was spread over with farms, woodland, 
and the meadows which fill the basin of the upper Neponset. 
The following extract from an address delivered at the first 
annual banquet of the town officers of Hyde Park, March 9, 
1872, by the venerable Henry Grew, one of the town's oldest 
as well as most esteemed citizens, presents such a graphic 
and truthful portraiture of the condition of things at and shortly 
before the time under consideration as to fully justify its 
insertion here : 

" Having purchased a few acres of land in the summer of 
1846, I commenced building a house, and moved to this place, 
then a part of Dorchester, on the first day of May, 1847. At 
that time most of this territory was occupied by farmers. 
There were on River Street (the old highway between Dor- 
chester and Dedham), within a range of a mile or a mile and a 
half, about ten houses, most of them small and occupied by 
farmers, with two exceptions, one a blacksmith and one a wheel- 
wright, with a population not exceeding fifty persons." 

Also Sumner's mills and a few small tenements occupied by 
their operatives, and a small schoolhouse near the same. 

" These were the only settlements in Dorchester. On the 
easterly side of the Neponset River, which was the boundary 
line between Dorchester and Milton {now Fairmount) all 
was woodland and pasture, the first settlement in that part 
of our town having commenced in 1855 or 1856. West of my 
house was an unbroken range of forest trees ; on the northerly 
side, in West Roxbury, were three farms. My nearest 
visiting neighbor was two and a half or three miles distant ; I 
was almost literally surrounded by woods, and my friends in 
Boston were much surprised at my going to such a wild and 
lonely place. There was, however, the Boston & Providence 
Railroad, on which cars passed within half a mile of my 



residence, running three times a day each way, to and from 
Boston. There was no station between Forest Hill and Read- 
ville ; occasionally the cars stopped at the crossing at West 
Street to take or leave passengers. After a while some of the 
trains stopped at Kenncy's Bridge (now Hyde Park Station), 
but passengers were few, perhaps ten or twelve in the course of 
a week. No house of shelter or station-master. The signal 
for stopping the cars by daylight was made by the turning of a 
signal board by the passenger, and after dark by the swinging 
of a lantern." 

In 1846 three farms, containing about 200 acres, and includ- 
ing what is now the most thickly settled and valuable part of 
Hyde Park, were purchased by three men, who proposed to 
build upon and occupy them. Two houses were erected, one 
the stone edifice, corner of Gordon Avenue and Austin Street, 
formerly known as the Lyman Hou^se, lately the residence of 
Charles A. White, and now owned and occupied by Col, John 
B. Bachelder, the Gettysburg historian ; the other was the old 
homestead of Gordon H, Nott, whose enterprise and liberality 
were largely contributory to the early growth of this town. 

These three individuals then sold the remainder of their pur- 
chase to the Hyde Park Land Company. This company made 
some improvements and disposed of some of its land, but little 
was accomplished by it before 1856. The earliest recorded sale 
of some one hundred acres of the Commons was for five pounds 
colonial. The above sale to the Hyde Park Land Company was 
for the expressed price of twelve thousand dollars, or about 
sixty dollars per acre. Within the last fifteen years consider- 
able parcels of the same land, without buildings, have changed 
owners for a consideration of seventy-five cents per foot, and in 
two instances for one dollar per square foot. The portion of 
the town taken from Dedham was formerly known as " The 
Lower Plains," a title sufficiently descriptive of its topograph- 
ical characteristics. Away back a large part of it was owned 
by one Damon, in memory of whom the schoolhouse now in 
that locality received its name. 

About 1850 it was named by its inhabitants Readville, in 
honor of Mr. Read, who was the principal owner of the cotton 
mill there. About this mill were some score of houses and ten- 



14 

ements ; and farther away, but still within the district, were 
perhaps half a dozen other residences, among them the home- 
stead of D. L. Davis and that of the late William Bullard, both 
on the Milton road, still occupied by the then owners or their de- 
scendants, and the handsome, and for those days, elegant French 
cottage of William S. Damrell, then member of Congress. 
This stood, with ample and pleasant grounds around it, on a 
low hill rising back from the pond caused by the mill-dam. It 
is now owned and occupied by E. A. Fiske. Mr. Damrell, as 
the only congressman ever resident upon soil now included in 
our town, claims more than a passing notice. He was an in- 
tense anti-slavery man, bold and fearless in the expression of 
his convictions, a warm friend and supporter of Sumner, Banks, 
Hale, and the other foremost champions of human liberty. 
He was of indomitable wil], and resolutely attended to his pub- 
lic duties during the years immediately preceding the Rebel- 
lion, although so disabled by paralysis of the lower extremities, 
occasioned by lead poisoning, as to require the assistance of a 
person upon either side to move from place to place. Three of 
his sons served in the army of the Union during the Civil War. 
One died in the service ; another died after the close of the 
war from disease contracted in the service ; the third and only 
surviving member of the family is Maj. A. N. Damrell, Engi- 
neer Corps, U. S. A. In 1856, the time when the first of those 
enterprises which caused the growth and development of Hyde 
Park was begun, Readville contained the bulk of the population 
within its limits. 

Fairmount was the spot selected for the experiment, and the 
credit of the first suggestion of, and of the greatest activity in 
pushing forward, the particular plan which led to the settlement 
there must be awarded to Alpheus P. Blake. He succeeded in 
getting a reasonable price fixed upon what he wanted, and then 
talked the matter up so well among his friends as to effect a 
formal organization of a number of them at a meeting held 
Sept. I, 1855, at the residence of one of the niembers on Revere 
Street, Boston. Mr, Blake was made president of the company 
thus formed, and a committee was appointed to examine the 
locality suggested by him. 



15 

Although the Midland Railroad then occupied the location 
now of the New York & New England, it was bankrupt and 
not in operation ; so the investigating committee were obliged 
to go to Mattapan, on a branch of the Old Colony Railroad, 
and thence walk some two miles to their destination on Fair- 
mount Hill. This experience, with the wild appearance of the 
country it was proposed to acquire and subjugate, so discour- 
aged several of the committee that they in disgust abandoned 
both the place and the enterprise, and thus forfeited tJicir 
chances of future glory and profit. The remainder of the asso- 
ciates, however, to the number of twenty, " stuck," formed a 
trust company under the title of " The Fairmount Land Com- 
pany and Twenty Associates/' purchased one hundred acres off 
the back part of the farms of the dwellers upon the Brush Hill 
road in Milton, and on the 15th day of May, 1856, the first blow 
toward the erection of the first house in Fairmount was struck. 
This building is the one now standing on the corner of Beacon 
Street and Fairmount Avenue, at present occupied by G. H. 
Peare. Henry A. Rich, David Higgins, and William H. 
Nightingale were the first mechanics. The latter died some 
years since ; the two former are still among the prominent 
residents of our town. 

It was the plan of the twenty associates that each should 
build and occupy a residence in the new territory. Most, if 
not all, of them did so, and three of them, Messrs. Fisk, 
Higgins, and Payson, still live in the houses then built by 
them. We present a copy of a wood-cut (page 8), originally 
printed in an illustrated paper of the date May 23, 1857. The 
association was made up of poor men, and great economy was 
necessary. The land was not fully paid for, the balance of the 
purchase price being secured by a ground mortgage. 

At one time the project was on the point of being abandoned, 
by reason of the many obstacles encountered, but the firmness 
of the late D. B. Rich prevented this. The pioneers had a 
hard time of it. The nearest point at which railroad accommo- 
dations could be obtained was on the Boston & Providence, at 
Kenny's Bridge, and there but two trains each way per day 
stopped; there. was no depot, and to reach Fairmount from 



i6 

there it was necessary to cross the river in small boats, or on 
the stringers of the Midland Railroad bridge. The lumber and 
other material needed in the construction of their buildings 
was brought from Neponset by teams through Milton, and with 
much labor and difficulty transported up and over the crest of 
the hill. The mere preparation of roads, over which the 
material could be brought, was a work of no little amount on 
that rough hillside, then far more steep and uneven than now. 
The nearest store was at Mattapan ; the nearest post-ofifices at 
Milton and East Dedham. To accommodate the mechanics 
engaged upon the first houses, D. B. Rich opened a " boarding- 
house," in an old building, where the seats were boxes and 
kegs, and the other accommodations of like ostentatious mag- 
nificence. But the settlers were resolute and full of resources. 
They endured what they could not remedy, and made use of 
every means attainable to better their condition. Before long, 
by joint contributions and efforts, they constructed a foot- 
bridge across the river. Finding the Midland Railroad there 
at hand, they resolved to utilize it, and did so, again combining 
their means and buying a car with an engine in one end, in 
which they journeyed in and out of Boston with great rejoic- 
ing, though they had for some time to dispense with a depot. 

In 1859 the Real Estate & Building Company was formed, 
and in 1861 incorporated. Under its efforts, and the enterprise 
of many individuals, the growth of the place was fairly pro- 
gressing, when the Civil War came, upsetting the plans of so 
many, and, by the doubt and uncertainty it engendered, para- 
lyzing to a great extent all enterprises. The most strenuous 
efforts were made by the company and others interested to 
overcome this incubus. 

That these efforts were only moderately successful is appar- 
ent in the admission made by the building company in its prospec- 
tus of 1864, that during the mighty struggle of the nation for its 
existence special expenses for the purpose of carrying on its en- 
terprises had been mainly suspended by the company. Yet the 
growth of the town was not wholly arrested during this time, for 
we learn from a contemporary paper that in 1862 there were one 
hundred and fifty dwellings in the district between Brush Hill 



17 

road and the Boston & Providence Railroad station at Hyde 
Park, which number had increased to two hundred in 1865. 
The end of the war, however, was the beginning of an era of 
truly wonderful activity and progress in this place, and for the 
next seven years it advanced at a marvellous pace. 

New lands in large quantities were acquired by the building 
companies and by individuals, platted, sold, built upon, and oc- 
cupied with almost incredible rapidity. In the year 1867, not 
less than one hundred and six dwelling-houses were erected, to 
say nothing of buildings for business and other purposes. The 
price of lots trebled and quadrupled in value in a few weeks, 
sometimes in a few months increased twenty-fold. 

The growth of the place from 1865 was largely due to its nat- 
ural attractiveness, which was now made to appear through the 
exertions of its pubhc-spirited citizens. Through their efforts 
the establishment of manufacturing and other business interests 
of great importance was effected, social and moral needs were 
well provided for, and the unrivalled railroad possibilities devel- 
oped. Local trains were multiplied on both railways, and addi- 
tional stopping places secured. When the railroad managers 
doubted the expediency of establishing a new station and erecting 
a depot at any required point, enough citizens were forthcoming 
to furnish means to build a station-house at the place desired, 
and lease or give it to the railroad, on the condition of adequate 
train accommodation. So great was the demand for mechanics 
at this time that the most indifferent workmen demanded exor- 
bitant wages. This and other inducements held out attracted 
to the town a not inconsiderable number of equivocal characters, 
and, as the credit system was largely in practice, many a con- 
fiding trader was sadly victimized. 

But such experiences are common to all new and rapidly grow- 
ing places, and under this froth of irresponsible adventurers, was 
an able body of earnest, energetic, industrious, laborious, wide-a- 
wake men, whose faith in Hyde Park was as firm as adamant, 
and who plied every instrumentality without cessation, tending 
to promote its prosperity. So well did they succeed that in 
1867 they were in a condition to ask for incorporation. The 
first meeting looking to that end was called at Music Hall, on 



i8 

October 14th in that year, at which E. P. Davis was chosen to 
preside, and S. A. Bradbury and Charles A. Jordan as secreta- 
ries. A committee was appointed to consider the advisability of 
forming a new town, and the meeting adjourned to the 22d of 
the same month, at which the committee reported in favor of 
the proposed action, describing the district desirable to include. 
Almost all the residents conspicuous for their interest in the 
place were warm advocates of the measure. 

A formal petition to the General Court for incorporation of 
the district suggested in the committee's report was duly filed. 
As illustrative of the transitory nature of the residents of new 
places, it is interesting to note that of the sixteen men whose 
names are appended to this original petition but five are now 
among our inhabitants. The request for incorporation was 
variously viewed by the towns whose territory was affected. Dor- 
chester made no opposition ; Dedham refused to yield so much 
as was asked for, and succeeded in keeping a portion of it. 
Milton also objected strenuously, the contest here finally 
narrowing down to the question whether the petitioners should 
have the southeasterly line of their proposed town established 
as petitioned for, so as to include a portion of the Brush Hill 
road and some twenty-seven families resident thereon, or 
whether the line should run along the crest of Fairmount 
Heights, several hundred feet northwesterly from said road, 
and leaving the above-mentioned families to remain within 
Milton's limits. Over this the fight waxed hot and furious. 
In the legislative committee-room frequent hearings were had 
during a period of five or six weeks, which resulted at last in a 
report to the Legislature recommending a compromise line, 
giving the petitioners less than they asked, but more than the 
Brush Hill residents were willing to concede. The outcome 
of all this heated controversy was that the act of incorporation 
of the town of Hyde Park, passed and approved April 22, 
1868, took about thirteen hundred acres from Dorchester, 
eight hundred from Dedham, and seven hundred from Milton, 
and left the old residents along the Brush Hill road still 
within the boundaries of Milton, and presumably happy. The 
new town promptly organized on the 30th day of the same 



19 

month, Maj. William Rogers, formerly of Governor Andrew's 
staff, being chosen moderator of the first town-meeting. 

The recipients of municipal honors were not elected without 
vigorous opposition. Hyde Park esteems the places in its gift 
too highly to bestow them easily. There were no less than 
five tickets in the field ; the regular caucus nominations being 
the successful ones. The custom thus inaugurated of lively 
competition for town offices has ever since been honored with 
implicit observance. A section of Capl. Baxter's Light 
Battery was present, and hailed the birth of the new town with 
a salute of one hundred guns. The citizens made a holiday of 
the occasion, and celebrated the event with rejoicings, and 
plentiful displays of fireworks in the evening. A fine rainbow 
at sunset was accepted as a propitious omen, significant of the 
future lustre of the town. 

At this time there were in the town four schoolhouses, only 
one of which, however, was of any considerable size or value ; 
six religious societies, three of which worshipped in churches of 
their own, and the remainder in hired halls ; and of manufac- 
turing industries, besides the cotton-mill and the paper-mill, 
a woollen-mill, a vise-factory, iron-works, car-shops, and a 
needle-factory. The population was about three thousand five 
hundred, the number of poles seven hundred and seventy-four, 
and the valuation, as fixed on the ist of May following, two 
million nine hundred thousand dollars. 

One of the leading motives which had caused the mass of the 
residents of Hyde Park to respond so warmly to the project of 
incorporation, had been the feeling that their needs had not 
received sufficient attention from the parent towns of which it 
was previously a part. The school accommodations were very 
inadequate, the buildings insufficient in dimensions and incon- 
venient in location. Most of the streets had been made by the 
adjacent owners, and, as few of them had been accepted by the 
towns, they were of different widths, ungraded, and in many 
instances full of obstructions. Few of them were furnished 
with lights, and most of these were at private charge. There 
was no fire department, or any reliable means of subduing a 
conflagration. To remedy all these deficiencies, and number- 



20 

less others, the citizens had asked for and obtained self-govern- 
ment. Many thoughtlessly expected that it would prove an 
immediate panacea for all their disabilities. So it will be well 
believed that for the first few years the town officers had no 
easy time of it. 

AH those things, usually the result of many years of quiet 
effort in towns of slow growth, were here crowded, as it were, 
in a moment upon the attention of the people and their official 
agents. The latter addressed themselves to meeting the 
demands thus made upon them, with creditable ability and 
success. Miles of streets were accepted, graded, widened, or 
re-located, and bridges built or extensively repaired, a good fire 
department organized and well equipped, and a suitable building 
constructed for its occupation, and many other things done to 
put the town on a proper footing. The number of school chil- 
dren increased so fast that within the first five years of its 
corporate existence, the town was obliged to erect four large 
buildings at a cost of about one hundred and twenty thousand 
dollars. All these improvements called for large expenditures, 
most of which were met by direct taxation, but a considerable 
amount by borrowing, which last expedient soon raised a debt 
of very respectable proportions. The burden thus incurred 
soon began to be felt very sensibly by the owners of land, 
which constituted seven-eights of the taxable property of the 
town, and soon all propositions looking to further outlays 
became fruitful sources of contest, protest, and more or less 
successful log-rolling. The town-meeting was the natural 
arena for the final fight on these matters, and Hyde Park town- 
meetings have always been considered particularly interesting, 
though it is said that of late they have lost somewhat of their 
pristine brilliancy, and there are dark fears expressed that ere 
long they will become as unexciting and commonplace as those 
of less favored communities. But it is not to be understood 
that a niggardly policy has ever controlled this town ; on the 
contrary, if it has erred at all, it has been in the opposite direc- 
tion. During the twenty years of its existence it^has raised 
by taxation upwards of $1,514,000, or an average of $75,700 
per year. Of this, about $211,900, or a yearly average of 



$io,595» has been expended upon streets and bridges (besides 
$20,000 each year for two years, for permanent improvements, 
and which has been added to the town debt) ; and not less than 
$618,000, an average of over $30,900 per year, has been devoted 
to the estabhshment and maintenance of pubHc schools. 

For several years the town business was transacted in rooms 
and halls hired for the purpose. This was felt to be inconven- 
ient, and a town building was desired by many. A controversy, 
probably the most intense of any which has ever agitated the 
town, and which certainly stands out most prominently in the 
recollection of the participators, arose in 1870, over a proposi- 
tion to purchase for the above named purpose, an edifice re- 
cently erected on the corner of Gordon Avenue and River 
Street, and known as Gordon Hall. Meeting after meeting 
was called to decide the vexed question, " Should or not the 
building be bought by the town .-' " After much contention the 
property was finally purchased, but it was accidentally destroyed 
by fire March 8, 1883. 

The year 1870 was quite prolific in notable events here. 
Then it was that another public demonstration was made in the 
dauntless attempt of some of its female citizens to storm the 
ballot-box and exercise the full powers of untrammelled suffrage, 
which carried the name and fame of Hyde Park into distant 
states and even beyond seas, and a failure to note which would 
render a sketch of the town's history undeserving the toleration 
of the fairer and mightier part of its population. For some 
time previous to the March meeting, 1870, there had been signs 
and portents of approaching trouble, which took visible form 
and shape when a placard appeared addressed to the women of 
Hyde Park, inviting them to attend a caucus, to be held March 
4th, to select candidates for the various town offices, the same 
to be supported by the women at the polls. The caucus was 
duly held and well attended ; stirring addresses were made incit- 
ing the auditors to stand by the position they had taken in the 
front rank of the woman-suffrage movement, to make up their 
ticket and back it at the polls. 

Election day fell that year upon March 8th, and proved to be 
a stormy one, snowy and blustering ; yet some fifty ladies as- 



sembled in the Everett House parlors, whence they proposed 
to make their descent in a body upon the voting-place. At 
this place a large number of voters had congregated, much 
excitement prevailed, and it was feared that unmanly measures 
might be adopted. But when the occasion arises the man for 
the occasion is generally on hand. 

He was here and in the right place. The moderator's chair 
was occupied by Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., the well-known novelist, 
whose pen and voice were always ready to speed on reform, 
progress, and development, whose soul could not tolerate in- 
justice or oppression. His attitude, aided much undoubtedly by 
that high esteem and love for him which has always character- 
ized his fellow-citizens, produced a calm on the floor, and the 
ladies, without further molestation, advanced and deposited 
their ballots in a separate box, and at once left the room. The 
deed was done ! The women had voted. 

The call for aid to the sufferers from the great Chicago fire 
met with a liberal response from Hyde Park. Frequent 
meetings were held, and upwards of five thousand dollars, in 
addition to large supplies of clothing, bedding, and necessaries, 
were contributed. In this noble work the ladies were as usual 
untiring, Mrs. Dr. Edwards, Mrs. A. H. Brainard, and Miss 
Nettie Richardson being specially prominent. 

The financial panic which swept over the country in the 
latter part of 1873 fell with excessive weight upon Hyde Park 
and almost menaced its future existence. The reasons for this 
result are readily apparent. The very methods which had been 
adopted to cause the town to fill up and build up so fast, the 
selling of land for a small sum down and a large sum secured 
by mortgage, rendered it peculiarly open to such a catastrophe 
as then came upon it. The greater part of the real estate was 
under mortgage, not a little of it to an amount nearly up to 
even its inflated valuation. The assessors had yielded to the 
craze, partly from sharing in it, partly, perhaps, to keep down 
the percentage of taxation by a high valuation. Then the 
depression in business and the destruction by fire of several 
mills caused the abandonment of a number of productive 
industries, the consequent removal of many operatives and 



23 

families to other places, and a great falling off in the demand 
for residences, and for the general commodities of life. All 
this operated to cause the bottom to fall out of real estate, and 
a reduction in the apparent value of all property in the town of 
nearly fifty per cent. This is seen by comparing the assessed 
valuation of May i, 1873, to wit: real estate, $6,608,179; 
personal, $901,636; with the valuation May i, 1880, namely, 
real estate, $3,701,250; personal, $421,640. This fearful 
shrinkage discouraged many who had been holding on to their 
estates by the eyelids as it were. The process of shaking 
things down to a substantial foundation was decidedly un- 
pleasant, but the outcome has been beneficial. The estates 
lost by their unlucky former possessors have become the 
property of others better able to hold, improve, and beautify 
them, and the town has thus gained in its outward appearance 
and the number of its well-to-do citizens. A greater conserva- 
tism is manifested in public and private enterprises, and the 
present status of the town is one of healthy and well-based 
prosperity. Its net debt, which in 1873 was $i'jd>,'j66, is now 
reduced to less than $106,000, and by means of the sinking 
fund, as now managed, will be entirely liquidated in a few 
years ; and this debt is placed on terms as favorable as those 
enjoyed by any town or city in the state. 

Notwithstanding the pressure of the " hard times," the citi- 
zens of Hyde Park were fully awake on Centennial year. They 
were well represented at the Exposition both by products and 
by visitors, and they celebrated the glorious Fourth in the most 
enthusiastic manner. The day began with a procession, fol- 
lowed by a meeting of citizens in the grove, corner of Austin 
and West Streets, which was presided over by E. R. Walker, 
chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Here there was singing 
by chorus, prayer by Rev. P. B. Davis, reading of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, by G. Fred. Gridley ; singing of " The 
Star Spangled Banner," by Miss M. C. Pollard ; oration, by 
Hamilton A. Hill ; and singing of "America," by the audience. 

At four o'clock p. m. union religious services were held in 
the Congregational Church. At seven o'clock p. m. an immense 
meeting was held in Everett Square, and the new pump pre- 



24 

sented to the town by the Woman's Christian Temperance 
Union, of Hyde Park, was dedicated. Mr. Walker presided, 
and an address was delivered by E. I. Humphrey, which was 
followed by a fine original poem by Charles F. Gerry, A flag, 
the gift of N. H, Tucker, was then presented by Miss Nettie 
B. Richardson, accepted by Mr. Humphrey in a brief speech, 
and run up to the top of the flagstaff, amid the cheers of the 
assembled multitude. A regatta and an exhibition of athletic 
sports were among the other attractions, and at night a grand 
display of fireworks closed the stirring observance of the day. 
Another event in commemoration of that year was a great tree- 
planting, which took place October 28, when more than eight 
hundred and fifty shade trees were set along the streets and 
avenues of the town. This was brought about mainly through 
the efforts of Charles F. Holt, and has been the cause of many 
more being planted since, adding greatly to the beauty and 
comfort of the thoroughfares. 

This same year, 1876, is also memorable in the history of the 
town on account of the great temperance reform movement 
which began here in the spring. The Temperance Reform 
Club, then formed, during that year and the following held 
weekly public meetings, at which one of the largest halls was 
frequently filled to overflowing, and sometimes hundreds were 
unable to gain admittance. The good results of this organiza- 
tion are inestimable. By it many were redeemed from lives of 
gross indulgence; many more were stopped in a downward 
career towards such lives ; the subject of temperance and 
morality was brought home to every thinking mind ; and the 
sentiment thus awakened has placed and kept this town among 
the foremost in opposition to the encroachments of alcohol, and 
in support of all restrictive measures. 

In this connection it will not be amiss to state that the 
Women's Christian Temperance Union, which has been a 
power for good in this community, was begun here by an 
organization formed by a few women, April 26, 1876. It 
became at once auxiliary to the state organization of the 
Women's Christian Temperance Union, and worked under the 
direction of the national organization. Mrs. William Sturtevant 



25 

was its first president, and until her death, some four years 
subsequent, was one of its most earnest and efficient members. 

The work done by this body of devoted women in the 
promotion of Christianity and temperance cannot be detailed 
here. It has contributed greatly to the large majority here 
against the licensing of the liquor traffic, by communicating 
directly with every voter before election, and by the personal 
solicitations of its members at the polls. 

The Union has also enlisted the co-operation of the younger 
ladies of the community, who have organized themselves into a 
Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, commonly 
designated the " Y," which has for its object the enlistment of 
young women in the work of making total abstinence a fashion- 
able social custom ; and also to aid them in understanding the 
scientific and ethical reasons for total abstinence and prohibi- 
tion. Although only started last December, it is already a 
flourishing organization. 

The Great Flood. — February 15, 1886, is a date never 
to be forgotten by many who suffered from the ravages of the 
waters at that time. Neponset River and Mother Brook, 
. swollen by the melting of a winter's snow and an almost unprece- 
dented fall of rain upon the ice-encrusted and frozen surface, 
were raging torrents, overflowing their banks in every direction, 
and carrying destruction before them. The Neponset was 
nearly nine feet above its usual level, and Mother Brook the 
highest ever known. The wooden bridge on Bridge Street was 
swept away, and as many as eighty families were obliged to 
vacate their homes. All the manufacturing and business 
establishments near both streams suffered a loss aggregating 
many thousands of dollars. 

The Public Library. — Through the influence of some 
of the citizens of Hyde Park interested in its future welfare, the 
town in 1871 appointed the following gentlemen a committee 
to raise funds for thfe purpose of establishing a free public 
library : — Rev. P. B. Davis, Rev. I. PI. Gilbert, Rev. ¥. C. 
Williams, H. R. Cheney, E. M. Lancaster, H. M. Cable, E. P. 
Davis, E. E. Pratt, and Theodore D. Weld. 



26 

The committee held their first meeting at the house of A. 
D. Hawley, whose failing health prevented him from taking an 
active part in the cause in which he felt so much interest. 
They made personal applications for subscriptions, and 
arranged for a course of weekly lectures and entertainments, 
extending over six months, for the benefit of the fund ; they 
also solicited donations of books, and instituted measures for a 
general town fair to be organized and conducted by the ladies 
of Hyde Park. Early in June a meeting was held in the vestry 
of the Baptist church, when they organized with a president 
(Mrs. L. B. Hunt), and six vice-presidents, one from each re- 




MASOXIC BLOCK. 



ligious society, — Mrs. G. B. Parrott, Mrs. A. R. Whittier, 
Mrs. F. C. Williams, Mrs. H. G. Raynes, Mrs. E. D. Swallow, 
Mrs. A. O'Neil. An admirable fair was held which netted up- 
wards of two thousand five hundred dollars. 

The report of the general committee made April ii, 1872, 
gave as the net result in hand for the library fund, four thous- 
and four hundred and sixty-six dollars and seventy cents, and 
upwards of one thousand books donated. 

Theodore D. Weld was especially prominent in accomplish- 
ing this gratifying result. The amount was considerably 
augmented by subsequent payment of subscriptions. 



The library was opened to the pubhc in March, 1874, in 
Everett Block, with W. E. Foster as librarian, and three 
thousand seven hundred volumes ready for circulation. 

The first board of trustees consisted of Theodore D. Weld, 
Rev. P. B. Davis, Rev. I. H. Gilbert, elected for three years ; 
Rev. E. A. Manning, H. M. Cable, E. M. Lancaster, for two 
years ; Rev. W. J. Corcoran, E. S. Hathaway, C. W. W. Welling- 
ton, for one year. 

Mr. Foster remained as librarian till his resignation in 1876, 
when he was followed by Mr. Reeves, who was succeeded in 
October of the same year by Mrs. H. A. B. Thompson, in 
charge at the present time, with Miss Mary Hawley as 
assistant. 

The Hbrary has greatly increased in size and circulation the 
last few years. It now contains nine thousand five hundred 
volumes. The names of nine thousand and fifty persons have 
been registered for cards. 

The library remained in Everett Block until Feb., 1884, when, 
having outgrown its limits, it was removed to rooms specially pre- 
pared for it in the Masonic Block, affording much more ample 
accommodations. The board of trustees as at present constitu- 
ted is as follows : H. B. Miner, D. C. Marr, F. B. Rich, G. F. 
Gridley, Edmund Davis, G. L. Stone, C. C. Hayes, M. D., A. 
H. Brainard, C. F. Jenney. H. B. Miner, Chairman, G. F. Grid- 
ley, Treasurer, G. L. Stone, Secretary. 

Post Off ice. — No other institution shows more forcibly 
the growth of our town, and it may be interesting to trace its 
progress briefly. In the early days, David Higgins brought 
the mail from Boston. The first postmaster was J. Russel 
Story, the first mail arriving in August or September, 1857, 
consisting of one letter and two or three papers. The office 
was in the corner of a country store, in the same building with 
Union Hall, opposite New York and New England depot. 
Mr. Story was succeeded in 1858 by Amos Angell, and he in 
turn by E. E. Blake in 1861. He in turn was followed by 
E. E. Williamson in 1863. Keeping the office for about one 
year, he resigned, and Barney Connor, as assistant postmaster 



28 

took charge of it for another year. Then Thomas Hammond, 
in 1865 was appointed and kept it until 1868, to be followed by 
H. C. Adams, who was in charge at the time of incorporation. 
Upon his retirement Wm. J. Stuart was appointed, October, 
1 87 1, serving until August, 1873, and giving place to Silas P. 
Blodgett. During his term the office was destroyed in the fire 
of Neponset Block, May, 1874, but phoenix-like it rose from its 
ashes and was ready for business next morning. Under Mr. 
Blodgett it prospered and underwent many important changes 
to meet the demands of increased business. July i, 1878, it was 
made a money-order office, and since that time upwards of 9,200 
orders have been issued. Aug. i, 1885, Mr. Blodgett resigned, 
and H. C. Stark, our present efficient official, was appointed. 
During his administration the office has increased rapidly in 
size and importance, being raised to the second class, and we 
hope soon to be accommodated with the free delivery system. 
A new lease for five years of the present quarters in Neponset 
Block has been taken, the office entirely remodelled, and 
furnished with the newest and most approved boxes and 
lockers. 

Sumner Hail. — The old manse on East River Street, 
known as the Sumner House, one of the oldest in town, was 
built in 1790, by Mr. William Sumner, father of the late Miss 
Sally R. Sumner. It was a well-built structure, with a frame- 
work of massive beams, and finished in the style of the day 
with panelled wainscoting and fluted cornices. It contained 
twelve rooms which were amply filled by Mr. Sumner's thirteen 
children, nine of whom were girls, who, with slight exceptions, 
spent their entire lives here. They were confessedly a family 
of unusual beauty, wit, and intelligence, and the broad hall ex- 
tending through the house was the scene of many a festive oc- 
casion. 

Mr. Sumner was a descendant of William Sumner, of Dor- 
chester, who came from England in 1636. He was a soldier in 
the revolutionary line, and was often in active service. He took 
part in moving to Dorchester Heights, in the secrecy of night, 
the fascines used for the fortifications there, by aid of which the 



29 

British were compelled to evacuate Boston. These were cut 
from Pine Garden, a portion of the Sumner estate in Hyde 
Park, a spot chosen on account of its obscurity by General 
Washington himself, who rode more than once over the ground 
on horseback. 

Mr. Sumner was engaged in paper making for more than 
thirty years, owning the mills and water privilege on the site 
now occupied by the Tileston & Hollingsworth paper-mills. He 
was a generous, warm-hearted man, in belief a Universalist,^and 
the old flagstone is still at the hall door where " Father' Bal- 



^^^ 
j^... 




SUMXER HALL. 
(From a sketch by Miss Sarah M. Vose.) 



lou," the apostle of Universalism, loved to place his chair and 
discourse upon the principles of his faith to his friend and host. 
The house, the old barn with its mows and swallows' nests, 
the fields, woods, and tranquil river, were familiar scenes to the 
Hon. Charles Sumner, who spent many happy vacation hours 
here. At the time of the incorporation of the town of Hyde 
Park two daughters of Mr, Sumner, the Misses Clarissa and 
Sally R., were with their niece. Miss Eliza Fessenden, the only 
representatives of the family left at the house. With them 
lived also a brother-in-law. Col. Nathaniel Crane, who was one 
of " Nature's Noblemen," a true-hearted old-school gentleman 



30 

beloved and respected by all. A year ago the last of the group, 
Miss Sally R. Sumner, passed away. 

The homestead remains almost untouched by the hand of 
man, while the hand of time has borne heavily upon it. The 
original clapboards are there, the first window sashes, the old 
knocker, and many of the great square iron locks, with their 
brass handles worn by the touch of so many hands now turned 
to dust. The inside finish is the same, and in many respects the 
old house is as it came from the hand of the builder. It stands 
a " silent witness " of the mysteries of life and death which for 
a century have revealed themselves within its walls. 

The religious societies claim a more extended notice. 

First Baptist Church. — The first prayer meeting ever 
held on Fairmount was suggested by the late Mrs. John Wil- 
liams and was at the house of Mr. David Higgins, near the 
top of Fairmount, in 1857. This meeting became a " circular 
feast," visiting at several houses and preparing " the way of 
the Lord." 

When Mr. Geo. Pierce built his hall, on what is now corner 
of Highland Street, he expected that the Union meetings 
would be transferred thither from the Railroad Hall. But the 
reluctance of some to join the Baptists in this centrally located 
new hall resulted in the decision to form a church to be called 
"The First Baptist Church in Milton." The first council 
relative to the church about to be formed hardly dared to rec- 
ognize it, and before a second enlarged council met, the church 
was advised to recall the invitation and thus avoid expressed 
non-recognition. But the " smoking flax " was not to be 
quenched ; rather was it a light " set on a hill." 

Sept. 23, 1858, ten persons met at Mr. Hannaford's and 
signed articles of faith. Earnest were the prayers which went 
up from the hillside for God's blessing on this, the first church 
in the future town of Hyde Pa7'k. 

Thursday, Sept. 24, Rev. D. C. Eddy, of Boston, preached the 
inaugural sermon in Fairmount Hall. Sept. 26, Rev. Wm. 
Howe, of Boston, preached twice at the first Sunday services, to 
about fifty persons. At noon a Sunday school was formed 



31 



to be called " The Fairmount Sunday school " ; teachers and 
scholars in all twenty-five ; prayer meetings on two evenings. 
A lease of the hall for five years was taken of Mr. Pierce, at 
$75 per year. Dea. Wm. Holland, of Boston, officiated for 
some months, — a man of lovely spirit, who did a good work. 
The first year the amount raised was $110.75; amount ex- 
pended, $110 10. 








,2 m , 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

June I, i860, Rev. Dr. Amos Webster baptized the first con- 
vert in connection with the Baptist interest, in the river. It 
was voted that the male members take turns as deacons. 
After seven churches had sat in council with four brethren for 
the church, a public recognition was given Sept. 4, i860. 
In October Dr. Webster, who had come here to reside, agreed 
to supply the pulpit so long as mutually desired. The society 
was indebted for his counsel as to legal and monetary interests 
during those struggling days. 



In the summer of 1863 Rev. G. R. Darrow began to preach, 
and shortly afterwards was settled as pastor ; an open-hearted, 
earnest man. Though acceptable to most members he resigned 
in eighteen months. In the autumn of 1863 Rev. A. B. Earle 
held meetings in the hall for several weeks, which with after- 
meetings resulted in the renewal of about two-score souls ; for 
the size of the place, it was pentecostal. In the midst of this 
holy hush came an order to vacate the hall within a month. 
It had changed owners, but in a few weeks converting grace 
came into the new owner's family and the order was revoked. 

Here again was an indication for an onward move, and the 
society decided to secure a more sure anchorage. "The Real 
Estate and Building Company " virtually made a gift of a lot of 
land, corner of what is now Davison Street. Mr. Geo. Parrott 
gave plans for a chapel and "every man had a mind to work." 
By moonlight picks loosened and shovels scooped. David 
Higgins gave forty-two days' carpenter work, Geo. Pierce smd 
others gave time, and so with hired labor the work reached, — 
dedication. 

November, 1864, Rev. A. DeF. Palmer was invited to supply 
the pulpit until the next spring. Rev. A. C. Skinner served 
the church as pastor from Oct., 1865, to May, 1866, The 
church in its first seven years increased to seventy members, 
and in the winter of 1866 removed debt by paying some 
$1,700, — a great achievement. It had also contributed a be- 
loved member as a missionary — Miss Bradbury, who went to 
Burmah as Mrs. Bunker. 

In September, 1866, Rev. \V. H. S. Ventres became pastor. 
The village was growing, and a more commodious edifice was 
desired. To effect this, great exertions had to be made. The 
chapel was moved to a rear lot, and finally rented. Mr. 
Gordon H. Nott, an Episcopalian, generously gave, unsolicited, 
nearly 10,000 feet of land in the rear of the original site. Mr. 
T. C. Evans put his energy into the work of building, which 
crystallized the labors of many others, among such, Mr. Chas, 
Pierce. Mr. Ventres resigned in June, 1870. 

Many townspeople helped as to the new edifice, and in re- 
turn they have received the benefit of a clock facing the 



33 

avenue. " The clear-toned Baptist bell " is one of the richest 
in town. But a debt of ten thousand dollars was also an 
adjunct. In the autumn of 1870 the pastorate of Rev. I. H. 
Gilbert and the people entered the audience room together, he 
giving the dedication sermon. Rev. Dr. Webster also gave an 
historical sketch of the church. After doing a harmonizing 
work, in view of the society's pecuniary condition, May, 1876, 
Pastor Gilbert sent in his second resignation, which was ac- 
cepted with commendatory resolves. 

Early in 1877, Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., became his successor. 
His preaching was highly prized. Near the close of his 
ministry an effort was made to reduce the debt, which had 
doubled, owing in part to buying a parsonage. $5,000 was 
collected, and the town paid nearly $370 for a strip of land. 
Dr. Eddy, in 1881, accepted a call elsewhere and the society 
tendered him a farewell reception, large and hearty. 

Rev. Gorham Easterbrook was installed June 23, 1881 ; a 
superior preacher. He preached his farewell sermon May 2, 
1884. In September, 1883, was celebrated the twenty -fifth anni- 
versary of the church and Sunday school. In the forenoon 
Rev. Mr. Easterbrook preached. In the afternoon at the 
Sunday school anniversary Miss E. A. Stone gave an historical 
sketch. T. C. Evans, Supt., had had three terms of ofifice, 
seventeen years in all ; 2,091 different ones had belonged to 
the school. In the evening Rev. Mr. Gilbert gave an historical 
account of the church, referring to the " troublous times," polit- 
ically and financially, in which the walls had gone up, and 
paying tribute to the efforts of Mr. Evans, and the ability of 
Mr. T. H. Videto, treasurer. On Monday evening a "reunion " 
festival was enjoyed in the vestry, at which Deacon Wm- 
Holland and Dr. S. F. Smith, the workers of early days, were 
guests. 

June 12, 1884, Rev, H. W. Tilden was unanimously called as 
pastor. He holds a goodly congregation ; beloved at home, re- 
spected abroad. Dec. 13, the late Rev. A. K. Potter, of Roxbury, 
aided the pastor in stimulating towards the removal of the 
society's debt, $11,800, exclusive of the parsonage. Pledges 
were given. In the evening, the balance was provided for. 



34 

The Sewing Society has given $500 towards the removal of 
the debt, beside much other work. It is confidently expected 
that before May i, 1888, the church will rejoice in being free 
from debt, exclusive of the parsonage. 

Episcopal Church. — The first service of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church was conducted by Rev. Samuel B. Babcock, 
rector of St. Paul's Church, Dedham, in Union Hall, near the 
New York Central Railroad Depot, Oct. 10, 1858, at one of the 
" union meetings " at that time supported by adherents of all 
denominations. After a while the Episcopalians transferred 
their place of meeting to Lyman Hall, near the Boston & 
Providence Railroad, where services were held every Sunday 
morning, the various clergymen officiating being furnished and 
paid by the Southern District Association. When there was no 
clergyman forthcoming, services were read generally by Mr. 
Lyman. A Sunday school, which soon grew to a membership 
of sixty-five, was established, mainly through the exertions of 
Rev. John W. Nott, who was at that time passing a vacation here. 
For some time the family of A. H. Brainard constituted the 
entire number of communicants, the congregation being made 
up of those who only had a preference for that form of worship. 

The present parish was organized Nov. 8, i860, under the 
name of Christ Church, with the following officers : Wardens, 
A. H. Brainard and G. H. Nott ; Vestrymen, L. Bickford, Jairus 
Pratt, S. Fennell and Wm. H. Hoogs ; Treasurer, S. A. Brad- 
bury ; Clerk, J. M. R. Story. Rev. A. H. Washburn took 
charge of the parish in March, 1 861, was elected its rector in 
January, 1862, and so continued till Easter, April, 1866, when 
he became rector of Grace Church, Cleveland, Ohio. During 
the early part of his ministration the present church edifice on 
the corner of River and Maple Streets was erected, largely 
through the efforts of Gordon H. Nott. This building is of 
Gothic style of architecture and has about three hundred sit- 
tings. While it was in process of construction the services 
were held in Bragg's Hall on Fairmount Avenue. The building 
was consecrated December i, 1863, by Right Rev. Manton 
Eastburn, bishop of the diocese, assisted by several other di- 



35 

vines. Mr. Washburn's connection with the parish was of great 
benefit to it, and his resignation deeply deplored. He was suc- 
ceeded in April, 1866, by Rev. Wm. H. Collins, a faithful and 
earnest worker, who of^ciated as rector till October i, 1869, 
the date his resignation — which was made on the 21st of July 
preceding — took effect. He was succeeded on November 16 
following, by Rev. John W. Birchmore, who remained till May 
15, 1872, In October, 1872, Rev. Robert Scott was elected to 
take temporary charge of the parish, and on the fifth of Decem- 
ber following was unanimously elected rector, and continued as 
such till Easter, 1874. On the following seventeenth of June 
the Rev. R. B. Van Kleeck, D. D., accepted a unanimous call to 
the rectorship. He was a man well-known and highly esteemed 
by both clergy and laity in all parts of the country. He re- 
signed his charge at Easter, 1878. From January, 1879, to 
July, 1 88c, Rev. F. H. T. Horsfield vi^as minister in charge. 
He was succeeded on November 15, 1880, by the Rev. Edward 
A. Rand, who, with unremitting devotion to duty, continued as 
minister in charge until Whitsunday, 1882. His successor, the 
Rev. John T. Magrath, commenced his labors as rector on the 
following Sunday (Trinity) and ended them on Trinity Sunday, 
1887. In September, 1887, the present incumbent. Rev. 
H. L. C. Braddon, succeeded to the rectorship. 

First Congregational Church. — Congregational ser- 
vices were first held in Hyde Park in December, i860, in 
Bragg's Hall. The place of meeting was soon changed to 
Lyman Hall, where, for a few months, the services were 
conducted by Rev. L. R. Eastman, afterwards, with only occa- 
sional clerical aid, by the brethren, until Dec. i, 1862, when 
Rev. Hiram Carlton commenced ministerial labors, which were 
continued till October, 1864. On May 7, 1863, an ecclesiastical 
council organized here a church of ten members, of which 
Sylvester Phelps and Thomas Hammond were elected deacons. 
Rev. R. Manning Chipman was the officiating clergyman from 
Dec. I, 1864, to Nov. 30, 1866, the services being held during 
this time in Bragg's Hall. In January, 1867, the church and 
society extended a call to Rev. Perley B. Davis, who was 



36 

then settled over the church at Sharon, Mass., who accepted, 
and was installed April loth following, continuing as pastor of 
the society to this day. 

Measures were now taken for the erection of a parsonage 
and church edifice. A lot of land at the junction of Fairmount 
Avenue and Everett square, extending through to Oak street, 
was presented to the society by the Real Estate and Building 
Company, and a parsonage fronting on Oak street, and costing 




about five thousand dollars, was built, and occupied by the 
pastor the following September. On Jan. 31, 1868, the corner- 
stone of the church edifice was laid with appropriate exercises, 
and October 15th following the church was publicly dedicated 
to the worship of God, the pastor preaching the sermon. The 
building is a Gothic structure, costing seventeen thousand 
dollars, and had a seating capacity of four hundred and sixty- 
two. By the untiring efforts of the ladies of the congregation 



37 

it was furnished with an organ, bell, carpet, and cushions, at an 
expense of nearly five thousand dollars. For the better accom- 
modation of the Sunday school and social meetings, in the 
autumn of 1874 a chapel was erected adjoining the church, 
capable of seating three hundred people. This was built by 
voluntary subscription, presented to the society, and dedicated 
Jan. I, 1875. 

On Sunday, Sept. 7, 1879, by the efforts of Mr. Edward 
Kimball, the debt of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, which 
had rested very heavily upon the society, was raised by pledges 
from the congregation, and in December, 1880, the debt was 
fully paid. April 16, 1880, seven members were dismissed 
from the church to form a nucleus for the church at Clarendon 
Hills. Owing to the increase in numbers of the congregation 
and Sunday school during the two years ensuing, it was 
decided to enlarge both church and chapel, at a cost of ten 
thousand dollars, and, nearly that amount having been pledged, 
work was begun in October, 1883. The church was so remod- 
elled as to furnish seven hundred and sixty-nine sittings, includ- 
ing the choir seats. The chapel was made thirty-five feet 
longer, a portion being fitted for class-rooms and library. The 
enlarged church was re-dedicated Feb. 26, 1884, and the chapel 
the next evening. 

The condition of the church is very prosperous, it having a 
membership of five hundred and thirty-one, of whom forty-four 
were received during the last year. 

Methodist-Episcopal Church. — April 22, 1868, found 
the M. E. Church in Hyde Park a struggling society of fifty- 
three members, worshipping in a small hall known as Bragg's 
Hall. The society had been formed on Feb. loth of the pre- 
ceding year, and Messrs. M. L. Whicher, John Terry, and C. 
D. Hubbard had at that time hired the hall, furnished it with 
settees, and agreed to meet all deficiencies of the first year. 
This was cheerfully done, but after the first year the church was 
self-supporting; therefore, April 22, 1868, found the church 
small but self-supporting, with a regular pastor. Rev. N. T. 
Whitaker. Under his vigorous charge the little church grew 



38 



so that in 1869 a larger place of worship was sorely needed^ 
and Union Hall, just vacated by the Congregational Society, 
was securea. in tne same year, r 



secured. In the same year, 1869, Mr. Whitaker was 
succeeded by Rev. Geo. Prentice, who ministered faithfully to 
the young church, a preacher of no mean ability, but who was 
appointed elsewhere at the close of his first year. His departure 
was deeply regretted. Mr. Prentice was succeeded by Rev. E. 




METHODIST-EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

S. Best, who served the church for two years, 1 870-1. During 
Mr. Best's pastorate the church continued to increase, so that 
still larger accommodations were found necessary, and in 1871 
Neponset Hall was occupied. In the same year, i87i,the pres- 
ent parsonage on Central Avenue was built and occupied. 

In 1872, Rev. E. A. Manning was appointed to Hyde Park. 
At this time the matter of building a new church was vigorously 
agitated. A fine building location had previously been secured 



39 

on Central Avenue ; the church had now increased to consider- 
ably over a hundred members, the town was rapidly growing, 
and all signs looked propitious. 

Plans were obtained of Mr. A. P. Cutting, of Worcester, a con- 
siderable amount of money was pledged, and the step was 
definitely decided upon. 

In April, 1873, Rev. G. W. Mansfield was welcomed by the 
church as its pastor, and within sixty days contracts were let out 
for a fine modern church edifice. 

Ground was broken on June 2, 1873, the first sod being 
turned by Mrs. Mary E. Warren, the pioneer Methodist of 
Hyde Park. The corner-stone was laid under the north-east 
corner, Oct. 28, 1873, Bishop Wiley officiating. The vestries 
were dedicated on watch-night, Dec. 31, 1873, by Rev. Dv. 
Pierce, editor of Zioii s Herald. It was an occasion long to be 
remembered by those present. The ensuing months were a 
time of special religious interest, and under the successful min- 
istrations of Mr. Mansfield a large number were added to the 
church. The auditorium was completed and dedicated Nov. 19, 
1874 ; Rev. H. W. Warren, D. D., of Brooklyn, (now bishop) 
preaching the dedicatory sermon. 

The cost of the church was about $45,000. Mr. Mansfield 
remained with the church for the full term of three years, and 
was followed in 1876 by Rev. J. S. Whedon. 

The long period of financial depression which followed the 
completion of the church was most deeply felt by this society, 
and the debt, always large, grew to enormous proportions. The 
tremendous strain under which the church was laboring led to 
some unfortunate misunderstandings between pastor and ofificial 
board, and Mr. Whedon's brilliant, but short, career culminated 
in his resignation in 1877. 

Rev. Dr. H. J. Fox, of South Carolina, was appointed to fill 
the vacancy, and ably occupied the pulpit for two years, 

1877-78. 

It was apparent at the commencement of his pastorate that 
the debt must be reduced if the church property was to be kept. 

The debt in July, 1877, as given by the trustees, was $41,500, 
and during Dr. Fox's administration it was reduced to $31,000 



40 

by various agencies and means, two concerts in Music Hall, 
Boston, netting $i,6oo. 

Dr. Fox was succeeded in 1879 by Rev. W. N. Richardson, 
who was the pastor for the next three years. During his term 
.the church was freed from debt. This was mostly done in the 
third year of Mr. Richardson's pastorate, and largely through 
his personal efforts. A church debt-raising society was formed, 
of which Mr. Charles Woodbury was president, and Mr. George 
B. Warren treasurer. 

The mortgage of ;^2 1,000 on the church was taken up April 
I, 1882, at the very close of Mr. Richardson's term of ministry. 
He was followed by Rev. Jesse Wagner, who for three years 
was the successful and greatly loved pastor. During the three 
years' term of Mr. Wagner, repairs and improvements to the 
amount of $2,000 were made to the church property, all paid 
when done. 

Mr. Wagner was followed in 1885 by Rev. Frederick Woods, 
D. D., formerly the pastor of Trinity M. E. Church, Springfield, 
Mass. Dr. Woods is an original thinker, a pulpit orator 
of extraordinary ability, and a most vigorous advocate of all 
modern reform movements. He now closes (April, 1888) his 
full term of three years, and it is apparent that the church and 
congregation will greatly miss his talented services. 

Mr. W. T. Worth, of Lowell, Mass., has just been appointed. 

First Unitarian Society of Hyde Park. — This 
society was among the last to organize as a separate denomina- 
tion. In consequence of action taken at a preliminary meeting 
held in the old Fairmount schoolhouse June i, 1867, at which 
John P. Jewett was chairman, and Benjamin C. Vose secretary, 
regular services were, during the summer of this year, held in 
the old Music Hall on Sunday afternoons, prominent Unitarian 
clergymen of Boston and vicinity occupying the pulpit. In 
November of the same year the society moved to Deacon 
Hammond's Hall, near the New York & New England Railroad 
Station, and engaged as pastor the Rev. T. B. Forbush, who 
remained until the following March. In June, 1868, the society 
organized as a corporation under the general laws, and adopted 



41 

as a name " The Christian Fraternity." The following year 
the name was changed to that of The Second Congregational 
Society of Hyde Park, and this name was in May, 1880, 
superseded by the present title. 

In June, 1868, Rev. William Hamilton was invited to become 
the regular preacher, and he remained with the society nearly a 
year ; services being held in Hamblin's Hall. In February, 
1869, Rev. Francis C. Williams was installed as pastor. 
During his pastorate, which continued until June, 1879, ^^e 
society had a varied experience, particularly in its places of 
worship. Meeting in the Town Hall for about a year, they 




FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH. 



thence went to Neponset Hall, where they remained till its 
destruction by fire, in the early part of 1874. Their church 
building was then in process of construction, and until its 
completion, in the latter part of the same year, they were kindly 
accommodated by the Methodist Society, which tendered the 
use of its vestry. The Unitarian Church Building was dedi- 
cated February 18, 1875, and in it their services have since 
been held. It occupies a sightly and pleasant position at the 
junction of Oak and Pine Streets on Mount Neponset, and 
presents to the eye a neat, attractive, and agreeable appearance. 
It is of the Romanesque style of architecture, and is con- 
structed in a very substantial manner, the material being wood. 



The audience-room, exclusive of the vestibule, is sixty-seven by 
thirty-seven feet, with a seating capacity of a little more than 
three hundred. The finish of the pulpit and its surroundings 
is of black walnut ; of the pews black walnut and ash. It is 
well lighted with stained glass windows of agreeable tone, 
giving a restful and pleasing effect. In the vestry is a good- 
sized audience-room for the Sunday school ; a commodious and 
well-stocked library, also a ladies' parlor, dining-room, kitchen, 
etc. The land with the building and furnishings cost about 
$18,000, and with the exception of a comparatively small 
amount, had been paid by the time the church was ready for 
occupancy, — a result that was attained only by zealous and 
persistent effort and large self-sacrifice on the part of many of 
the early members of the society. 

During his stay, Mr. Williams' influence on the church and 
the town was marked and beneficial. His successor was Rev. 
A. Judson Rich, who was invited in November, 1879, installed 
the next January, and remained four years. It was during his 
pastorate that the old-time enthusiasm of the members of the 
society and the ladies of the parish was again invoked, resulting 
in wiping out the balance of the debt upon the church and in 
the purchase of an organ for the choir. 

In June, 1884, Rev. James Huxtable was called to the 
pastorate, and is now, April, 1888, ministering to the society. 
A man of unbounded modesty, he is an earnest student, a deep 
thinker, and has a fund of spirituality that has already made its 
impress upon those under his charge. 

Union Evangelical Church is located at Readville 
and was organized April 26, 1872. Has been supplied by 
Rev. William F. Davis and Rev. J. B, Davis. It has no settled 
pastor at present. Starting with five members, it now numbers 
twenty-three. 

Clarendon Congregational Church was organized 
April 19, 1880, with twenty members. Rev, Samuel D. 
Hosmer was the first pastor and continued until April, 1882. 
He was succeeded in September, 1882, by Rev. A. H. Johnson, 



43 

who still continues in charge of this church. Its present mem- 
bership is forty-one. 

Roman Catholic Church. — Prior to April 22, 1868, 
the Catholic settlers in Hyde Park were attended by the pastor 
of Milton, Rev. Father McNulty. On the first Sunday of 
October, 1870, the parish was made a separate one. Part of 
the parish was taken from that of Dedham, and part from 
Dorchester, The first resident Catholic pastor was Rev. W. J. 
Corcoran. When he assumed charge, the parish numbered 
about 2,200 souls. The births during his first year were 83, as 
indicated by the baptismal records. Father Corcoran built a 
frame church on Hyde Park Avenue, which was burnt before 
completion. He also purchased the Richards estate on Mt. 
Neponset. Previous to holding services in the basement of the 
church which was destroyed, and after the burning of same, ser- 
vices were held in the old Music Hall, now the property of Dr. 
Soule. Father Corcoran remained in this parish for several 
years, and was succeeded by Rev. James S. Conlan. The 
Catholic population was smaller in 1880 than in 1870. In 1870 
there were 83 children baptized, in 1880 only 6^,. The number 
of Catholics in 1870 was about 2,200; in 1880 about 1,700. 
Since 1880 the parish has grown, and it now numbers about 
2,700. The present pastor. Rev. Richard J. Barry, was ap- 
pointed by Archbishop Williams, Feb. i, 1880. He set to 
work at once to place the society on a permanent basis, and 
within two months after his arrival he began the elegant church 
which is such an ornament to the town. The corner stone of 
this splendid edifice was laid July 4, 1880, and the church was 
dedicated Sept. 12, 1885. Interiorly and exteriorly it is a sub- 
stantial and magnificent temple. The cost was ^85,500.00, In 
1884 Father Barry purchased the Gerry estate, which gives 
the Catholic Society over two acres of land in the very heart of 
the town. Money has been lavished in laying out the grounds, 
and no society in Hyde Park or elsewhere can show greater 
enterprise and perseverance. A new parochial school has been 
built on Mt. Neponset, which will accommodate 360 children. 
Two primary parochial schools will be erected in the spring. 



44 

This society has laid out over $140,000 during the last eight 
years, and the total indebtedness to date is only $21,000. 
Nothing in the history of Hyde Park shows better the substan- 
tial growth of the town than the facts above recorded. 

Last year there were loi children baptized into the Catholic 
Church, out of a total of 233 children born in the town during 
the year. The Catholic population is between 2,700 and 2,800 
persons. The Sunday school numbers 400, Mr. D. A. Leonard, 
superintendent. 

The society is in a most flourishing condition and is about to 
be incorporated, its pastor still being Rev. Richard J. Barry, 
assisted by Rev. Henry A. Barry. 

Young Men's Christian Association. — In the fall 
of 1868 an attempt was made to establish a Young Men's 
Christian Association, Charles F. Gerry being elected presi- 
dent, E. E. Blake and A. R. Whittier, vice-presidents, H. P. 
Hubbard, secretary, and J. Boag, treasurer, and although 
accomplishing some good, and preparing the soil for future 
planting, the time had not yet come when the grain should 
spring up and bear abundant harvest. This was reserved for 
another force of workers, and on the evening of December 18, 
1884, a meeting of those interested in forming such an associa- 
tion was held in a class room of the Baptist Church. A com- 
mittee, of which C. L. Alden was chairman, and J. Mackrille, 
secretary, was appointed to consider the advisability of forming 
an association, and to see what encouragement would be given 
to such a movement. This committee reported Feb 2, 1885, at 
which time they stated that in their opinion there was sufficient 
encouragement to proceed. Accordingly, it was voted that an 
organization be effected at that time. Accommodations were 
secured in Neponset Block, consisting of reading-room, office, 
and parlor, and were occupied about the middle of March, at 
which time the reading-room was thrown open each evening, 
being well supplied with secular and religious papers, and 
periodicals. The second Sunday in March, meetings for young 
men only were organized and have been continued until the 
present time. The parlor was furnished with folding chairs 



45 

and piano. It was not long before the rooms proved too small 
for the work, and an urgent call for a gymnasium was manifest. 
But there seemed to be no way for thus enlarging the work. 
In May, 1886, an opportunity presented itself in the skating 
rink being closed, and changing hands. It was finally decided 
to lease this building, having it fitted for their use, and when 
completed it gave very pleasant quarters, consisting of parlor, 
reading-room, office, coat room, kitchen, hall, and gymnasium. 
The Association removed to its new location during October 
of that year. Here at once the work began to enlarge, and the 
membership rapidly increased. It soon became evident that 
volunteer labor could not longer be relied upon to give the 
time necessary for such a large work ; so at the annual meet- 
ing the present board of officers was elected, and instructed to 
employ a general secretary, who could put his whole time into 
the work, and allow the building to be opened all day, instead 
of evenings only, as heretofore. Since the coming of Mr. E. 
A. Pierce to fill that position, the work has continued to in- 
crease, and to-day the association stands as one of the perma- 
nent institutions of our town, with its work and needs well be- 
fore our citizens. It is hoped that it will continue to grow, and 
before we celebrate our quarter centennial that it will be located, 
not in a leased building, but in a permanent home of its own. 

The Ladies' Auxiliary was organized early in the life of 
the Young Men's Christian Association. It is not an indepen- 
dent body, but is in all respects auxiliary to the association, and 
labors wholly for its benefit. While the association occupied 
the rooms in Neponset Block, the ladies purchased the carpet 
and table. Later, as they came to the new building (their pres- 
ent quarters), the ladies raised funds and furnished the parlor as 
it now appears. From time to time they have been called upon 
to provide and serve light refreshments at various gatherings, 
and are now pledged to furnish 1^400 toward the expenses for 
the present year. 

Schools. — The town of Hyde Park was fortunate in that, 
at its organization, it had among its citizens men who fully ap- 



46 

predated the importance of a good school system. After a 
lapse of twenty years v/e have now cause to congratulate our- 
selves that some of these citizens were placed in charge of the 
public schools. 

Many difficulties were to be met and overcome. Accommo- 
dations were to be provided, looking to the future growth of the 
infant town. A course of study was to be marked out, which 
should meet the wants of the children, and command the re- 
spect of the citizens. A liberal public sentiment was to be cre- 
ated toward the schools that their support might be certain 
and a progressive policy made possible. The transient char- 
acter of the population during the early years of our history 
made these duties still more arduous, but nevertheless a senti- 
ment favoring a liberal support of the public school has pre- 
vailed. 

It has been the object from the beginning to make the 
schools practical. New theories have been carefully studied 
before being adopted, and whatever has seemed to detract from 
practical results has usually been rejected. Efforts have been 
continuous to hold the interest of parents in the school work of 
the children, and, as a rule, these have been successful. 

The course in the Grammar Schools is so adapted that it 
requires eight years for its completion. At its completion 
diplomas are awarded. This course fairly fits pupils for the 
ordinary work of life. Much credit for the present efficiency 
of these schools is due to our good fortune in being able to 
retain for the past ten years or more Masters Dean, Cross, 
Howard, and Thompson, all able teachers, and fully devoted to 
the welfare of the schools of the town. 

The High School has two courses — a classical, or four 
years' course, and a business, or two years' course. The first 
fits the student for college, while the second is designed to 
supplement the Grammar School course in giving a better busi- 
ness training. Prof. Elliot has been in charge of this school 
for about ten years, and has so conducted it that it now has a 
firm hold in the confidence of the citizens. 

The four large Grammar School buildings, (one of which, the 
Greenwood, having been destroyed by fire, August 14, 1887, has 



47 

been rebuilt in a still more substantial and improved manner, 
and was dedicated April 5, 1888,) and a commodious High 
School building, all well supplied with books and other thin<>-s 
necessary for the complete working of the course, bear witness 
that the cause of education has held and still holds a warm 
place in the hearts of our citizens. It is safe to afifirm that the 
town is largely indebted for its present prosperous condition to 
the generous support at all times given to its public schools. 

Fire Department. — At a meeting of the Board of 
Selectmen, held Sept. 13, 1870, the following named gentle- 
men were appointed Fire Engineers for the ensuing year : Geo. 
B. Parrott, chief ; Enoch P. Davis ; Fergus A. Easton, clerk. 

A call was made on the citizens for members at this date. 
Nov. 7, 1870, Hose Company No. 3 was organized, and elected 
the following officers : L. T. Sears, foreman ; G. S. Cheney, 
assistant foreman ; M. Underbill, clerk. 

Nov. 9 Steam Fire Engine Company No. i was organized, 
with the following elected ofificers : H. A. Darling, foreman ; 
W. H. Cooper, assistant foreman ; T. A. Davin, clerk. At the 
same meeting Wm. U. Fairbairn was appointed as engineman 
of Steam Fire Engine Company No. i, G. Hodges as the 
assistant, and Joshua Wilder as steward of the Engine House. 

Apr. 13, 1 87 1, Hose Company No. 3 was relieved from hose 
duty, the members to take charge of Steamer No. 2, and David 
H. Wright appointed as engineman. 

The Hook and Ladder Company No. i was formed in the 
year of 1870. 

In the year of 1881 a Chemical Engine was added to the de- 
partment. 

The present Board of Engineers are : Chief, Rinaldo Wil 
Hams ; clerk, Robert Scott, Jr. ; and J. H. McKenna. The de- 
partment to-day numbers 40 members, including the three engi- 
neers and steward, Joshua Wilder, who has held this position 
ever since his appointment on Nov. 9, 1870. 

The apparatus belonging to the department comprises Hose 
Companies Numbers i, 2, and 3, Hook and Ladder Company 
No. I, and Chemical Engine Company No. i. 



4S 

Societies. — Hyde Park is richly blessed with secret benevo- 
lent societies, prominent among which are the Masonic bodies 
and orders of Odd Fellows, of which brief sketches are here 
appended. 

iVIasonic Organizations. — Before the incorporation of 
the town of Hyde Park, the establishment of a lodge was con- 
sidered desirable by the Masons resident within its present 
territorial limits. A dispensation was, therefore, procured from 
the Most Worshipful Grand Master in response to a petition 
bearing twenty-one signatures. 

Preliminary meetings had been held at various places in Ded- 
ham and Hyde Park, and the first regular communication of 
Hyde Park Lodge was called Feb. 15, 1866, at a small hall on 
Fairmount Avenue, since occupied by the Advent Society. 
Here the lodge held its meetings until the following winter, 
when a hall was leased and fitted up in the Music Hall building, 
corner of River Street and Hyde Park Avenue. The same was 
dedicated, and Hyde Park Lodge was constituted by Grand 
Master Charles C. Dame and the officers of the Grand Lodge, 
Dec. 21, 1866. The cnarter members were fifteen in number. 
In September, 1869, the fraternity again folded their tents, and 
occupied apartments in the third story of the Gordon Hall build- 
ing, corner of River Street and Gordon Avenue. The building 
was purchased by the town the following year, and used and 
known as the Town Hall until its destruction by fire, March 8, 
1883. 

During this period of nearly fourteen years a Chapter, Coun- 
cil, and Commandery were organized, and the history of each 
of the several bodies was one of uninterrupted prosperity. By 
the fire the fraternity were suddenly ejected from the pleasant 
rooms which had so long been their home, and suffered a total 
loss of all their furniture and paraphernalia. By special author- 
ity from the Grand Master the pieetings of Hyde Park Lodge 
were held for three months in the hall of Constellation Lodge, 
of Dedham, and more recently in Neponset Hall, until the com- 
pletion of spacious and convenient apartments in the new 
Masonic building on River Street. The new halls were occu- 



49 

pied by the lodge on the fifteenth of F'ebruary, 1884, and are 
admirably arranged for Masonic purposes. The furniture in- 
cludes a fine organ, built by Messrs. Hook & Hastings. 

The lodge has now one hundred and forty-seven members, 
and includes many of the leading business men and offtcers of 
the town. Among the names which have appeared on its 
roll of membership are those of two venerable Masons, James 
Downing and Timothy Phelps, each of whom had served the 
old Constellation Lodge, of Dedham, as Worshipful Master. 
Mr. Downing was made a Mason in 1819; Mr. Phelps in 1821. 

Its first chaplain was Rev. Alvan H. Washburn, D. D., who at 
the time was rector of Christ Church. He was a man of prom- 
inence in the church, and his untimely death, Dec. 29, 1876, in 
a railroad disaster at Ashtabula, Ohio, sent a thrill of sorrow 
through the hearts of many who had known and loved him. 

Hyde Park Lodge has a charity fund of good proportions, 
and its philanthropic work has been constant and effective. 
One of its pleasant social features has been an annual entertain- 
ment on Washington's Birthday for the benefit of the wives 
and families of its members. 

Norfolk Royal Arch Chapter commenced its existence May 
18, 1870, under a dispensation from the Grand High Priest, 
Henry Chickering. The chapter was duly consecrated and 
constituted May 24, 1871. One member is a permanent mem- 
ber of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, Henry S. Bunton, 
who was elected Deputy Grand High Priest in 1883. 

Hyde Park Council of Royal and Select Masters was organ- 
ized under a dispensation from Charles H. Morris, Most 
Illustrious Grand Master, dated Oct. i, 1872, and was chartered 
and constituted Oct. 6, 1873. 

Cyprus Commandery of Knights Templars and the appendant 
orders, was organized under dispensation from Nicholas Van 
Slyck, Grand Commander, Oct. 31, 1873. 

The name was given in allusion to the island of Cyprus, 
which was the first asylum of the Knights of St. John of 
Jerusalem after their expulsion from the Holy Land. 

Cyprus Commandery was constituted and dedicated Oct. 12, 
1874, by the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode 



Island, on which occasion Rev. George S. Noyes delivered an 
historical address. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — On the 

twentieth of February, 1869, Levi F. Warren, Grand Master, 
assisted by the Board of Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge 
L O. O. F. of Massachusetts, instituted Forest Lodge, No. 148, 
L O. O. F. The ceremony of institution took place in Masonic 
Hall, which at that time was over the store now occupied by 
Putnam & "VVorden as a grocery store. For the first ten years 
of its existence, with an average membership of about fifty, the 
lodge continued to carry on the work and promulgate the 
principles of Odd Fellowship, but rnet with no success in 
acquiring members. During that period the lodge held its 
meetings in Bragg's Hall, in Masonic Hall, over what was then 
Gordon Hall, and finally in Pythian Hall, which is the one now 
occupied by them, and known as Odd Fellows Hall. 

During the latter part of the year 1879, under the guidance 
and through the efforts of D. D. G. M. Samuel Cochran, Odd 
Fellowship in Hyde Park made a decided move toward its 
present prosperous condition, and to-day the lodge numbers 
181 members, and has a fund of some $4,500. During its 
existence the lodge has lost three of fts charter members by 
death and four from other causes, so that but two, David 
Perkins and John R. Thompson, remain. The lodge has also 
lost eleven of its active members by death. It has disbursed 
to the dependent relatives of its deceased members, and to 
members and their families, sick or in distress, upwards of 
$5,000. Its sick members are now paid five dollars per week 
for thirteen weeks, and two dollars per week for the remainder 
of the year, and each succeeding year the same, should sickness 
continue. The lodge furnishes watchers for the members in 
case of sickness, pays to the dependent relatives in case of 
death seventy-five dollars, and is considered by the members 
thereof, one of the most, if not the most benevolent organiza- 
tion existing in Hyde Park to-day. 

Monterey Encavipmejit , No. 60. A charter was granted to 
fourteen Odd Fellows, who became charter members of 



5 I 

Monterey Encampment, No. 60, I. O. O. F. This Encamp- 
ment was instituted on Feb. 25, 1887, by Francis E. Merriman, 
Grand Patriarch, and board of officers of the Grand ICncamp- 
ment of Mass. It is allied to and assists the lodge in carr)-- 
ing- out the principles of Odd Fellowship. Besides the charter 
members, eighty-six more were admitted on the evening of in- 
stitution, making one hundred members in all, which has been 
increased by ten since that time. The Encampment is in a 
prosperous condition, both tinancially and numerically, and is 
considered a success. 

Progressive Degree Lodge, No. 34, Daughters of Rebekah. 
The order has always been esteemed as a valuable auxiliary to 
the work of Odd Fellowship ; consisting as it does exclusively 
of Odd Fellows and their wives and daughters. Woman's 
work, or capabilities for certain work, excel in various forms 
those of men, and the world wide characteristics of this great 
order call forth in a marked degree the tender and practical 
sympathies of woman. The fatherhood of God and the 
brotherhood of man is instinctively more in the nature of the 
one than in the other. 

The remaining societies and organizations will be found in the 
succeeding pages, so far as it has been able to obtain any data 
in regard to them. In many cases it has been found necessary 
to abridge the reports, but it is proposed to put the original 
manuscripts on file in the library of the Historical Society. 

industries. — The following is a brief summary of some of 
the industries of Hyde Park : — 

R. Bleakie & Co.'s Woolen-mills, — This industry grew 
out of what was originally the Hyde Park Woolen Co., organ- 
ized and incorporated in 1862. It was erected as a twelve-set 
mill, for the production of army goods, blankets, and flannels. 
The first blanket was woven July 13, 1863, by John Bleakie, 
father of two of the present owners. So successful was the 
mill that its capacity was increased to twenty-one sets of cards, 
employing about four hundred operatives. 

Early in the morning of June 9, 1873, the mills took fire, and 
all but the bare walls of the main building, and the chimney, 



52 

was destroyed, involving a loss of some four hundred thousand 
dollars. The work of rebuilding was at once commenced, but 
on account of the financial panic and the depression in the 
woolen business further operations were discontinued. In the 
fall of 1878, work was again resumed, since which time the 
mill has been running to its full capacity, employing at the 
present time about 350 operatives. 

Cotton-mill at Readville. — This is one of the oldest 
manufacturing plants in the State. A portion of the present 
wooden building was erected in 18 14. It has been constantly 
in operation since that time, except for a period of about three 
years during the Civil War. 

It was carried on under the name of the Dedham Manufac- 
turing Co. up to 1867, then under the name of the Sraithfield 
Manufacturing Co. up to April 24, 1879, when it was acquired by 
Messrs. B. B. & R. Knight, the present owners. The mill has 
been greatly enlarged at various times since 1864. In its early 
days, thirteen hours in summer and eleven in winter constituted 
a working day for its employees, and it produced prints as well 
as sheetings ; now its product is confined to the latter, and it 
furnishes employment for some 350 operatives. The late James 
Downing of this town was connected with this mill for forty-eight 
years. Readville takes its name from Mr. Read, a former owner. 

Brainard Milling Machine Co. — This company was or- 
ganized and incorporated in 187 1. Its first board of officers were 
Thomas Wigglesworth, President ; Henry Pickering, Treasurer ; 
Amos H. Brainard, General Supt. and Manager. It had an es- 
tablished business at the start, having succeeded the Union 
Vise Co. of Boston, which began business with one man, Mr. 
A. H. Brainard. 

There were six members at the time of organization ; the 
capital stock being $35,000, and about forty men employed. 
The products of the first year were valued at about $40,000. 
The capital stock remains unchanged ; about 70 men employed ; 
and the value of the products about ;^8o,ooo yearly. The com- 
pany has the same board of officers as at the time of organiza- 
tion. The works are situated on Business Street. 



53 

Paper Mills. — Tileston & Hollingsworth, owners. This in- 
dustry was established in i8or, by the ancestors of the gentle- 
men under whom it is now carried on. An interesting account 
of the original building is given in Clark's History of Dorches- 
ter, published in 1859. They employ at the present time about 
seventy-five people, and the value of their products in 1886 was 
$255,000. The capital employed in the business is $225,000. 

Boston Blower Company. — This business was organized 
May I, 1877, and incorporated June i, 1880, in Boston, under the 
laws of this State,with a capital of $20,000, employing then about 
five men. Its first board of officers were W. S. Eaton, Jr., Presi- 
dent ; Francis Parsons, Treasurer ; and the same two with W. S. 
Eaton, Directors. The works were removed to Hyde Park in 
the summer of 1883, ^"d established at their present location, 
corner of Glenwood Avenue and Business Street, where they 
employ from eighty to ninety hands. The capital stock is now 
S6o,ooo, and the present board of officers, W. S. Eaton, Jr., 
President and Treasurer ; E. E. Gillette, Secretary ; the same 
two, with W. S. Eaton, Directors ; James McKay, Supt. 

Machinery Manufacturers, John T. Robinson & Co (J. 
R. Fairbanks). — This firm makes a specialty of the manufac- 
ture of" Paper Box Machinery," and employs from thirty-five to 
forty men. Their business was started in 1874, on West River 
Street, near B. & P. R. R. bridge ; but the firm have recently 
erected and entered into occupancy of a neat brick shop, located 
at the southerly junction of West River and Business Street. 
The building adds to the attraction of that part of the town. 

John Johnston's Carriage Manufactory. — This busi- 
ness was begun by Mr. Johnston in 1866, in a small way, but 
one workman being then employed ; the product of the busi- 
ness the first year being about $1,500. At the present time, 
an average of fifteen men are employed, and the annual value 
of the products about S20,ooo. The place of business has 
always been at its present site on West River Street, near 
Boston & Providence Railroad bridge. 

R. L. Frampton's Morocco Works — Mr. Frampton be- 
gun this business in Boston in 1870, on a capital of about 



54 

:54.000. His factory there being burned in 1885, he then 
transferred his business to its present location in Hyde Park. 
At that time forty-five men were employed, which number is 
now increased to fifty. The capital now employed in the busi- 
ness is ^25,000, and the value of its products, ^125,000. 

Hood & Reynolds, Dental Manufactory. — This industry 
originally had its works in Boston, but in July, 1884, removed 
them to their present site in Hyde Park, still retaining their head- 
quarters in Boston. The capital stock employed in Hyde Park 
branch for then and now being ^5,000. Number of hands em- 
ployed, twelve. Total value of products for 1885 and 1887, $12,000 
each. These figures are for business done at Hyde Park alone. 

Clement B. Tower & Co., Plymouth Rock Gelatine. — 
This is a new enterprise, having begun business in January of 
the present year, employing one man. 

The Hyde Park Water Co. was organized and incorpo- 
rated in 1884, the board of officers at the time of organization 
and at the present time being as follows : — Directors ; Robert 
Bleakie, President ; Benj. F. Radford, Wm. J. Stuart, Waldo P. 
Ward, Andrew Washburn, John S. Bleakie, David Perkins ; 
Clerk and Treasurer, C. F. Allen ; Superintendent, Albert S. 
Adams. The company has 22.35 niiles of mains, the number 
of water takers at the present time being 1,005. 

The Hyde Park Savings Bank was organized April 20, 
1 87 1, and incorporated March 8, 1871. The first board of 
officers were as follows : — Charles F. Gerry, President ; Henry 
S. Bunton, Treasurer ; Board of Investment ; Charles F. Gerry, 
Martin L. Whitcher, Benj. F. Leach, Ezra G. Perkins, Henry 
Blasdale. 

The following named have been presiding officers : — Charles 
F. Gerry, Henry Grew, Isaac J. Brown, Robert Bleakie. Pres- 
ent board of officers : Robert Bleakie, President ; Henry S. 
Bunton, Treasurer ; Board of Investment ; Robt. Bleakie, Wm. 
J. Stuart, David Perkins, Benj. F. Radford, Sidney C. Putman. 
The amount of deposits received during first year, $15,593.29; 
deposits received during last year, $139,913.52; amount of 
deposits at the present time, $232,207.94. 



55 

The bank was opened for the reception of deposits in the 
selectmen's room, town hall, June 17, 1871. 

On the first of September following, rooms were occupied in 
Neponset Block, where the business of the bank was transacted 
until that building was destroyed by fire, May 5, 1874. Tem- 
porary quarters were then provided in the town offices, PLverett 
Block. The Bank Building was erected in 1875, and the rooms 
in the same, which are now used, were leased from and after 
Jan. I, 1S76. 

The bank shared in the embarrassments to which the major- 
ity of Massachusetts savings banks were subjected, as the 




GREW SCHOOL. 
(From photograph by W. H. Barritt.) 

result of protracted business stagnation and depression. For 
two years, in common with many others, it was placed by the 
State Commissioners under the restrictions of the " Stay Law." 
By this means one of our most useful local institutions was 
preserved, although at the date of resumption, June 15, 1880, 
the amount of the deposits had dwindled to about thirty thou- 
sand dollars. Since that time, under wise and conservative 
management, the Hyde Park Savings Bank has prospered, and 
has received a full measure of the confidence and patronage of 
the citizens of the town. 



56 

The Hyde Park Co-operative Bank was organized March 
17, 1886 ; receiving its charter March 26, 1886, the bank began 
business May 5 , 1 886. Amount of authorized capital, $ i ,000,000. 
First board of officers being as follows : — 

Andrew Washburn, President ; Robert W, Karnan, Vice- 
President ; John Mackrille, Treasurer; Thomas E. Faunce, Secre- 
tary ; Charles F. Jenney, Attorney ; also a board of directors 
and three auditors. 

First annual report : — 

Number of members, 81 ; shares, 397; capital, ^3,756; loans 
on real estate ^3,400. 

Present board of officers : — Andrew Washburn, President ; 
Richard M. Johnson, Vice-President; Thomas E. Faunce, Secre- 
tary and Treasurer. 

Members at the present time, 148; capital, $11,384.87; 
loans on real estate, $9,550.00. 

Hyde Park Associates. — This is a private association 
organized Jan. i, 1887, having for its object both pecuniary and 
social purposes. Its members are assessed regularly each 
month, and the proceeds thereof invested in real estate in Hyde 
Park, with a view to the benefit of the town as well as the 
members. 

Hyde Park Band. — The Hyde Park Band was organized 
July 4, 1869, under the leadership of Mr. H. G, O. Sears, hold- 
ing its first meetings in the small hall of Hamblin's Block, on 
Walnut Street. Their place of meeting has been changed from 
time to time, now occupying rooms in Plummer's building on 
Central Park Avenue. The band has had numerous leaders, 
among whom may be mentioned Messrs. E. S. Churchill, 
Charles H. Blair, and Henry F. Arnold, the latter being the 
present leader. Of the organizers Wm, U. Fairbairn, Benjamin 
E. Phillips, and Henry F. Arnold are the only ones now 
resident in Hyde Park. 

Norfolk County Gazette, Samuel R. Moseley, editor. — On 
Feb. 26, 1870, the Dedham Gazette, established in Dedham in 
18 1 3, and the Hyde Park Journal, established in Hyde Park in 
1868, were united under the name of the Norfolk County 



57 

Gazette, Hildreth & Getchell, editors, and the place of publica- 
tion fixed at Hyde Park. A few years later Mr. Hildreth re- 
tired, and Getchell and Moseley carried on the paper until Jan. 
[3, 1877, when Mr. Getchell was succeeded by Mr. Moseley, the 
present editor and proprietor. 

It is the oldest paper in the country, and has numbered 
among its contributors many of the most eminent men in this 
section of the State. 

HvDE Park Times, H. L. Johnson, editor. — This paper 
issued its first number June 9, 1883, with E. S. Hathaway, 
editor. It soon passed into the hands of Hunt & Chamber- 
lain, and again into those of Herbert E. Hunt. Subsequently 
Asa W. Chamberlain edited the paper for a short time. In the 
fall of 1886. J. S. Browning purchased the paper. In July, 
1887, the paper again changed hands, being purchased by H. 
L. Johnson, under whose management it still remains. It is at 
present quartered in the Y. M. C. A. Building. 

Reveille. — This paper is published to promote the cause 
of temperance. The first series was issued January, 1887. 
Second series, December, 1887. R. C. Habberley, editor and 
publisher. 

Association Review. — This paper was started for the pur- 
pose of helping the work of the Y. M. C. A., and keeping be- 
fore the public and the members the work being done and 
what they desire to do. First publication, Dec. i. 1887. W. 
F. Mitchell, business manager ; E. A. Pierce, editor. 

Among the other industries and manufactories may be men- 
tioned, American Tool and Machine Company ; Glover & Wil- 
comb's curled hair factory ; John Scott, wool scouring ; 
Kenyon's chemical works ; Readville Rubber Company ; R. 
H. Gray & Co., shoddy ; S. Z. LesHe & Co.'s Novelty Wood 
Works ; J. N. Bullard, grist mill ; People's Ice Co., C. E. 
Davenport & Co., and John W. Smith, ice cutters and dealers ; 
C. L. Farnsworth's bakery ; Isaac Bullard's pianoforte manu- 
factory, and others, concerning which particulars have not been 
received in time for this publication. 



58 

As has been previously mentioned, about two hundred acres, 
or one-fourteenth of the area of the town, is embraced in streets ; 
of these some twenty-five miles of highways have been accepted 
and are under the care and supervision of the surveyors ; the 
remainder are private ways. No street less than forty feet in 
width is accepted. 

In 1884 the selectmen began the system of grading the 
streets, and laying sidewalks, and for the past two years the sum 
of ^20,000 each year has been appropriated for the purpose of 
carrying forward permanent improvements. During the past 
winter, after a long and trying contest, the town has been pro- 
vided with seventy-five electric lights, with a good prospect 
of soon increasing this number to one hundred. The subject of 
horse-railroads is just now agitating the public mind, there be- 
ing petitions from two companies awaiting the action of our 
town officers. 

Thanks' to the Centennial-tree planting, our avenues are be- 
ginning to be well shaded by thrifty forest trees. They are for 
the most part thickly studded with residences, which, being of 
so recent construction, are all of modern style, are kept in re- 
markably good repair, and present a very attractive appearance. 
They are the homes of hundreds whose daily avocations are pur- 
sued in the adjacent city of Boston. 

The two lines of railway, furnishing in the aggregate forty- 
five trains each way, to and from the city, provide every facility 
for this manner of living, and being through lines, the conven- 
ience of access to any desired point is unsurpassed. The ama- 
teur culture of pears and grapes is almost universal, and quite 
successful. 

The principal other buildings of a qi/asi-puh\ic character are 
the Bank Building, owned by A. H. Holway ; Neponset Block, 
owned by I. J. Brown, both on Everett Square ; Masonic Hall 
Block, owned by J. S, Conant, and Everett Block, owned by the 
East Boston Savings Bank, both on River Street, the latter now 
containing the town offices. Oct. 29, 1868, the Everett House, 
a pretty and comfortable building, standing on the corner of the 
square, was opened to the public as a hotel. During the 
twelve years it was kept open it served as the temporary home 



59 

of many families now domiciled in homes of their own in the 
town, and the recollections of their sojourn there are doubtless 
fraught with pleasant memories. The Willard House, on 
Gordon Avenue, was first opened Jan. 22, 1873. It is now 
called the Lincoln House, and about two years ago was remod- 
elled and let in apartments. 

We have purposely avoided the ungrateful task of selecting 
from among our contemporaries names of citizens for special 
mention or honor. Where particular reference has been made 
to individuals, it has been in consequence of their connection 
with events which fell within the scope of this sketch. 

Hyde Park contains at least its fair proportion of men and 
women whose abilities and achievements will leave an indelible 
mark after them, but it will devolve upon some future historian 
to commemorate them. 

Hyde Park has now passed through the somewhat boisterous, 
turbulent, and doubtful period of adolescence, and stands upon 
the threshold of a long life of promise and vigor. Favored in 
its location, strong in its resources, proud of its institutions and 
its people, it looks to the future with hope and confidence. 



6o 




JHE HEl Mil AT WORK — INTERIOR VIE« Oh HIS HLT 
(Cut loaned by Mr. S. R. Moseley.) 

James Gatly, the Hermit of Hyde Park, was born in 
Cheshire, England, in 1810, of reported wealthy parents; in 
early life he developed a great liking for the study of ornithol- 
ogy, and became a skilful taxidermist. He finally decided to 
come to America, much against the wishes of all friends, and 
after various trying experiences, finally settled in Crew's Woods, 
where he built a hut and spent his time in preparing a large 
collection of birds, beasts, and reptiles. He died February 2, 
1875, sixty-five years of age, and his collection was sold to many 
local and distant purchasers. 



TOWN STATISTICS, 



First Board of Town Officers in iS6S. — Selectmen and Surveyors of 
Highways, Overseers of Poor and Assessors — Henry (irew, Zenas Allen, Wil- 
liam J. Stuart, Martin L. Whitcher, Benjamin F. Radford; Town Clerk — Charles 
VV. Turner ; Treasurer — Henry S. Adams; Auditors — Henry C. Adams, Enoch 
P. Davis, Cotton C Bradbury; School Committee — Perley B. Davis, N. T. 
Whittaker, Amos Webster, W. H. S. Ventres, W. H. Collins, William A. Bullard ; 
Collector — H. A. Rich; Constables — Henry C. Adams, S. S. Bunker, Henry 
A. Rich, Nathaniel Hibbard, James L. Vialle ; Pound Keeper — Henry A. Rich ; 
Field Drivers — John Bennet, Geo. W. Noyes, Chas. E. Bunker; Fire Wards — 
Fergus A. Fasten, Geo. B. Parrott, Enoch P. Davis. 

Board of Town Officers for 18S7. — Selectmen and Surveyors of High- 
ways — James D. McAvoy, D. W. C.Rogers, Melville P. Morrell ; Assessors — 
George Sanford, Henry F. Arnold, George W. Chapman; Board of Health — 
George^F. Downes, Willard O. Hurd, Edward H. Baxter; Overseers of the 
I'oor — Joel F. Goodwin, John Terry, Charles Lewis; Town Clerk — Henry 
15. Terry; Town Treasurer — Henry S. Bunton ; Collector — George Sanford; 
School Committee — Charles G. Chick, Andrew Washburn, Edmund Davis, Tames 
E. Cotter, Benjamin C. Vose, George M. Fellows; Sinking Fund Commissioners 
— Henry Blasdale, William J. Stuart, Henry Grew; Auditors — Asa J. Adams, 
Wallace D. Lovell, John H. Russell ; Trustees of the Public Library — David 
C. Marr, G. Fred Gridley, Henry B. Miner, Charles F. Jenney, Charles C. Hayes, 
Edmund Davis, Amos H. Brainard, Galen L. Stone, Frank B. Rich ; Constables — 
George Sanfor3, William F. Curtis, Charles E. Jenney, Charles Jacobs, Patrick J. 
Donlan, Benjamin Fogg, Cyrus Gorman, Daniel O'Connell, John R. Bond ; Sealer 
of Weights and Measures — David M. Hodsdon ; Fire Department — Rinaldo 
Williams, Robert Scott, Jr., John H. McKenna. 

Selectmen and Surveyors of Highways from 1868 to 1S88. — Henry Grew, 
William J. Stuart, Benjamin F. Radford, Zenas Allen, Martin L. Whitcher, David 
L. Davis, Alpheus P. Blake, Geo. E. Sherman, Rinaldo Williams, J. Ellerv Piper, 
Gamaliel Plodges, E.G. Perkins, J. D. McAvoy, Nathaniel Shepard, L.J. Bird, 
Francis Bovd, Edwin R. Walker, George Sanford, Charles L. Farnsworth, Amos 
H. Brainard, D. W. C. Rogers, David Perkins, Charles H. Colby, Stephen B. 
Balkam, Henry C. Stark, Waldo F. Ward, Samuel Cochrane, Isaac Bullard, John 
H. Tuckerman, Hobart M. Cable, M. P. Morrell. 

School Committee from 1868 to 1888. — Rev. Perley B. Davis, Rev. N. T. 
Whittaker, Rev. W. H. S. Ventres, Rev. W. PL Collins, Rev. Amos Webster, 
William A. Bullard, Benjamin C. Vose, W. S. Everett, M. D., H. R. Cheney, O. T. 
Gray, M. L. Whittaker, W. H. H. Andrews, John D. Sherman, Richard L. Gay, 
Theodore D. Weld, Hobart M. Cable, Rev. Robert Scott, R. W. Husted, Rev, 
William J. Cochran, E. M. Lancaster, Waldo F. Ward, H. C. Chamberlain, Rev. 
Francis C. Williams, Andrew Washburn, Edmund Davis, Henrv Hyde Smith, 
Charles G. Chick, E. T. Humphrey, Henry S. Bunton, Edwin R. Walker, George 
M. Fellows, R. M. Johnson, Rev. John T. Magrath, James E. Cotter. 

Trustees of Public Library from 1873 to 188S. — C. W. W. Wellington, 
W. J. Cochran, E. S. Hathaway, Francis C. Williams, E. M. Lancaster, Gordon 



62 



H. Nott, P. B. Davis, T. D. Weld, I. H. Gilbert, E. C. Aldrich, Hamilton A. Hill, 
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., C. C. Hayes, G. Fred Gridley, Edmund Davis, Amos H. 
Brainard, Henry B. Miner, Hobart M. Cable, Charles F. Jenney, Galen L. Stone, 
David C. Marr, Frank B. Rich. 

Town Clerks from 1868 to 1888. — Charles W. Turner (one year), Henry C. 
Adams (one year), Henry B. Terry (18 years). 

Treasurers from 186S to 1888. — Henry S. Adams (5 years), David D. Rand- 
lett and E. S. Hathaway (one year), B. C. Vose (one year), Henry S. Bunton (13 
years). 

Collectors from 186S to 1888. — Henry A. Rich (9 years), Joseph B 
Quimby (5 years), George Sanford (6 years). 

Representatives to General Court from 1S77 to 1888. — Charles F. 
Gerry, William J. Stuart, Hobart M- Cable, Samuel R. Mosely, Charles F. Jenney, 
Ferdinand A. Wyman. 

Vote " on License " in the town of Hyde Park since the present " License 
Law" went into effect, from 1882 to 1888. 



Year. 


Yes. 


No. 


Total. 


Year. 


Yes. 


No. 


Total. 


1882 
1883 
1884 


3^' 


269 

520 


584 
lit 


1885 
1886 
1887 


298 
171 
234 


g 


838 

¥1 



STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST TWENTY YEARS OF 
CORPORATE EXISTENCE. 





§ 


Valuation. 


i 


ji 




Births. 




£ 


Deaths. 






6 






4 




t 

1 


1 






n 


1 


i 


-a 



ll 


S 


u. 


1 


1868 


4,136 


452,913,657.00 


460 


6.5 


45 


61 


.06 


20 


17 


13 


30 


1869 




3.714,478-00 


544 


820 


46 


45 


91 


35 


26 


3' 


57 


1870 




4,857,214.00 


S05 


970 


87 




174 


45 


43 


34 


77 


.871 


5,006 


5,955,925-00 




1,154 




no 


212 


57 


52 


43 


95 


1872 


6..58 


7,329,527-00 


1,087 


1,344 


94 


114 


208 


53 


55 


S3 


108 


.873 


6,750 


7,509.815.00 


1,121 


1,39' 


93 


9' 


184 


69 


81 


51 


132 


1874 


6,054 


7,069,323 00 


1,160 


■,302 


84 


60 


,44 


SO 


54 


76 


130 


•875 


6,316 


6,942,284.00 


1,184 


1,436 


106 


96 


202 


60 


63 


72 


136 


1876 


5,862 


6,545,767-00 


I,l8q 


i,SS8 


78 


S6 


164 


39 


61 


76 


'37 


1877 


5,879 


5,707.632 00 


1,194 


1,392 


87 


79 


t66 


44 


47 


41 


88 


IS78 


5,867 


4,674,871.00 


1,19s 


1.252 


93 


80 


'73 


34 


44 


41 


8S 


.879 


6,475 


4,180,10600 


l,iqS 


1,524 


87 


90 


177 


59 


52 


59 


III 


1 880 


6,9' 5 


4,123,490.00 


1,203 


1.527 


79 


99 


.78 


59 


44 


63 


107 


I88I 


7,3" 


4,378,116.00 


1,204 


1,628 


>I3 


107 


220 


62 


67 


65 


132 


1882 


7,584 


4,597,771.00 


1,220 


i,.S69 


114 


92 


206 


62 


59 


59 


118 


1883 


8,047 


4,855,402.00 


1,240 


1,775 


102 


88 


igo 


70 


71 


72 


143 


1S84 


8,192 


5,059,613.00 


1,296 


1,8,7 


104 


92 


196 


73 


49 


61 


no 


1885 


8,312 


5,202,085.00 


1,327 


1.800 








bq 


68 


63 


131 


.886 


8,463 


5,627,688.00 


.,468 


.,8q6 


84 


>'3 


197 


86 


64 


81 


•45 


.887 


8,919 


5,969,004.00 


1,512 


1,876 


125 


108 


233 


96 


65 


78 


143 


Totals, 


1,834 


.,798 


3,632 


.,.42 


1,082 


l,'32 


2,2IS 



Area of the Town. — Area in 1868, 2,800 acres ; area in 1887, taking out 
highways and non-assessable property, 2,406 acres. 



ORGANIZATIONS. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

First Baptist C/^//;r/^— Organized Sept. 23, 1858. First officers — L. B. Hana- 
ford, Clerk; George Pierce, Treas. ; L. B. Hanaford, Franklin Stone, David 
Higgins, Com. Present officers — Rev. H. W. Tilden, Pastor; O. P. Home, C. 
H. Tucker, 'F. H. Dean, David Bentley, A. MacGregor, Deacons ; A. MacGregor, 
Clerk ; O. P. Home, Treas.; Pastors — Revs. G. R. Darrow, C. A. Skinner, W. H. 
S. Ventres, I. H. Gilbert, D. C. Eddy, D. D., Gorham Easterbrook, H. W. Tilden. 
Number of members April 22, 1868, 123; present membership, 368. Amount 
contributed for missions 1868-S7, $2,575. 

Society of the First Baptist Church. — Organized Oct. 18, 1861. Incorporated 
Oct. 29,' 1861. First officers — L. B. Hanaford, Geo. W. Noyes, Benj. J. Bartlett, 
Ex. Com.; Amos Webster, Treas.; Chas. F. Gerry, Clerk. Present officers — 
Chas. H. Tucker, Ira Stockwell, John W. Jigger, Wm. H. Barritt, A. MacGregor, 
E.x. Com.; G. Walter Bass, Treas.; Frank H. Wheeler, Clerk. 

Sunday School.— Oxg2cv^\7.QA Sept. 26, 1858. First officers — J. M. Williams, 
Supt.; H. G. Smith, Asst. Supt.; L. B. Planatord, Sec. and Treas. ; James Lawson, 
Lib. Present officers — Ira Stockwell, Supt; John W. Jigger, Asst. Supt.; Irving 
C. Webster, Sec; Chas. H. Tucker, Treas. ; Wm. H. Home, Lib. ; Past Super- 
intendents — J. M. Williams, L. B. Hanaford, C. F. Gerry, T. C. Evans, B. Sears, 
T. H. Videto, B. H. Brooks, Ira Stockwell. Number of members at organization, 
25; present membership, 411. 

Ladies'' Social Circle. — Organized May 20, 1859. First officers — Mrs. Franklin 
Stone, Pres. ; Mrs. Geo. Pierce, V.-Pres. ; Mrs. Elmon Benton, Sec. Present 
officers — Mrs. PL W. Tilden, Pres.; Mrs. David Bentley, V.-Pres.; Miss J. M. 
Stone, Sec. and Treas. ; Mrs. Frank Holbrook, Asst. Sec. and Treas. Past Presi- 
dents — Mrs. Franklin Stone, Mrs. Amos Webster, Mrs. Albert Snow, Mrs. W. D. 
Mitchell, Mrs. M. H. Howes, Mrs. H. H. Gould, Mrs. J. F. Goodwin, Mrs. E. D. 
Swallow, Mrs. B. H. Brooks. Number of members at organization, 15; present 
membership, 50. 

Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. — Organized Dec. 27, 187 1. First officers 
— Mrs. I. H. Gilbert, Pres.; Mrs. O. A. Smith, V.-Pres.; Mrs. E. M. Lancaster, 
Sec. and Treas. Present officers — Mrs. A. Webster, Pres.; Mrs. O. P. Home, 
V.-Pres.; Mrs. D. Bentley, Sec. and Treas. Number of members at organization, 
14; present membership, 30. Amount of missionary contributions, $465.08. 

Branch of the Woman'' s American Baptist Home Missionary Society. — Organized 
Nov. 21, 1882. First officers— Mrs. S. R. H. Giles, Pres. ; Mrs. M. L. Gould, 
V.-Pres.; Mrs. F. H. Dean, Sec. and Treas. Present officers — Mrs. S. R. H. 
Giles, Pres.; Mrs. M. L. Gould, V.-Pres.; Mrs. A. MacGregor, Sec. and Treas. 
Number of members at organization, 17 ; present membership, 38. Total mis- 
sionary contributions, $212. 

Cheerful Workers.— Ox^'&.mztA November, 1878. First officers — Mrs. Amos 
Webster, Pres. ; Miss Abbie Wiggin, V.-Pres. ; Miss Florence Webster, Sec; 
Miss Grace Home, Treas. Present officers — Miss S. L. Miner, Pres.; Miss Nellie 
Brown, V.-Pres. ; Miss Susie Waldron, Sec. ; Miss Annie Guy, Treas. Past 
Presidents — Mrs. Webster, Mrs. E. M. Lancaster, Miss Elma Stone. Number 
of members at organization, 8 ; present membership, 32. Total missionary con- 
tributions, $2C0. 

63 



64 

Yomto People's Social Union. — Organized, Feb. i8, 1S85. First officers ^C. H. 
Tucker, Pres. ; Irving Webster, V.-Pres. ; Emma Colby, .Sec; W. L. Adams, 

Treas. Present officers: \Vm. Home, Pres.; Glover, V.-Pres.; Gertrude 

Draper, Sec. ; Lillie Gould, Treas. Number of members at organization, 31 ; 
present membership, 48. 

EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Parish of Christ Church, Episcopal. — Organized Nov. 8, i860. First officers — 
Amos H. Brainard, Gordon H. Nott, Wardens ; Levi Bickford, Jairus Pratt, 
Samuel Fennell, W. H. Hoogs, Vestrymen; Samuel A. Bradbury, Treas. ; J. M. 
R. Story, Clerk. Present officers — Samuel N. Piper, Samuel A. Foster, 
Wardens ; R. H. Vivian, A. J- Adams, George L. Ridley, James B. Bird, M. W. 
Brown. Vestrymen; A.J. Adams, Treas.; George L. Ridley, Clerk. Rectors — 
Revs. A. H. Washburn, Wm. H. Collins, J. W. Birchmore, Robt. Scott, R. B. 
Van Kleeck, D. D., F. H. T. Horsfield, E. A. Rand, J. T. Magrath, H. L. C. 
Braddon. Number of members at organization, 64 ; present membership, 135. 
Contributions to missions, 1868 to 1887 inclusive, $2,691.94. 

Sunday School. — Present officers — Rev. H. L. C. Braddon, Rector; Thos. 
Wilson, Supt. ; Walter P. Piper, Lib.; Robert C. Sears, Asst. Lib.; George L. 
Ridley, Or. and Treas. Membership in 186S, 107 ; present membership, 127. 

St. Andreivs Brotlicrhood. — Organized March 19, 1887. First officers — Rev. J. 
T. Magrath, Pres. ; Chas. P. Foote, V.-Pres.; H. B. Humphrey, Sec; Maybin W. 
Brown, Treas. Present officers — Rev. H. L. C. Braddon, Pres. ; Samuel A. Fos- 
ster, V.-Pres. ; H. B- Humphrey, Sec. ; Maybin W. Brown, Treas. Number of 
members at organization, 11 ; present membership, 41. 

St. Margaret's C//rt//«-. — Organized Sept. 29, 1887. Officers — Rev. H. L. C. 
Braddon, Pres.; Marion Brainard, ist V.-Prcs. ; Mrs. H. L. C. Braddon, 2d 
V.-Pres.; Fannie Bird, Sec; Mrs. G. L. Ridley, Treas. Number of members at 
organization, 25 ; present membership, 24. The object of this society is the 
charge of the interior of the church, care of the altar linen, furnishings, etc., and 
any other work which the rector may suggest or approve. 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

First Congregational Church. — Organized May 7, 1S63. First officers — Sylves 
ter Phelps, Thomas Hammond, Deacons ; Enoch E. Blake, Clerk. Present offi 
cers -r Rev. P. B. Davis, Pastor ; Enoch E. Blake, J. Ellery Piper, Edward W 
Cross, Henry D. Noyes, Joseph D. Ellis, Frederick D. Freeman, Deacons; Dr 
Chas. Sturtevant, Clerk ; E. S. Hathaway, S. S. Supt. Rev. Perley B. Davis has 
been the only pastor. Number of members April 22, 1S68, 64 ; present member^ 
ship, 531. 

Hyde Park Congregational Society. — Incorporated (under general laws) Nov. 7, 
1865. First officers — Thomas W. Barrell, Clerk ; E. E. Blake, Treas.; Dr. Horatio 
Leseur, Thomas Hammond, Henrv S. Adams, D. J. Goss, and J. L. Butman, Pru. 
Com. Present officers — Dr. J- K- Knight, Clerk; Fred. N. Tirrell, Treas.; 
Chas. P. Vaughan, Col. ; L. B. Bidwell, H. D. Noyes, E. S. Hathaway, A. C. 
Kollock, and Thomas Chamberlain, Pru. Com. Assets at organization o, at present 
time, $29,500 net. 

Sunday School. — Organized March 27, 1861. First Supt. Besture B. Haskell. 
Present officers — E. S. Hathaway, Supt. ; J. D. Ellis, C. F. Fiske, Asst. Supts. ; 
C. F. Holt, Sec. and Treas. ; Joseph Willett, Aud.; E. J. Ellis, R. J. Ellis, C. P. 
Vaughan, C. B. Tower, Libs. Past Superintendents— B. B. Haskell, E. E. Blake, 
Albert Knight, Thos. Hammond, Henry S. Adams, Thos. W. Barrell, Timothy 
Foster, C. W. Turner, Jas. S. Tileston, E. S. Hathaway, H. D. Noyes, J. 
Langdon Curtis. Number of members at organization, 12; present member- 
ship, 600. 

Auxiliary to the Woman's Board of Missions. — Organized Feb., 1872. First 
officers— Mrs. Mary. F. Davis, Pres.; Mrs. Margaret B. Howard, Sec; Mrs. 
Emily F. Sturtevant, Treas. Present officers — Mrs. Henry D. Noyes, Pres. ; Mrs. 



65 

Henry S. Bunton, Sec. and Treas. ; Past President — Mrs. Wary F. Davis, from 
1872-1S85. Number of members at organization, 36; present membership, 66. 
Tlie amount raised by tliis society since its organization, and paid over to the 
Woman's Hoard towards the support of schools and Bible women in foreign lands, 
is $1,286.16. 

MafiTiial Association. — Organized Dec. 3, 1S79. First officers — Mrs. Thos. 
Chamberlain, Pres.; Mrs. C. K. Sanger, V.-Pres. ; Mrs. C. F. Holt, Sec. and 
Treas. Present officers — Mrs. J. P. Higgins, Pres.; Mrs. J. I.. Curtis, V.-Pres.; 
Mrs. E. C. Farweli, Sec. and Treas. ; Mrs. F. D. Freeman, Lib. Past Presidents — 
Mrs. Thos. Chamberlain, Mrs. P. B. Davis, Mrs. E. O. Taylor, Mrs. G. PI. Butler, 
Mrs. J. P. Higgins. Number of members at organization, 14 ; present member- 
ship, 41. 

Woman's Home Missionary Union (Ladies' Sewing Society). — Organized April 
28, 1864. First officers— Mrs. J. J. Raynes, Pres.; Mrs. E. E. Blake, V.-Pres.; 
Miss H. W. Hammond, Sec. and Treas. Present officers — Mrs. C. L. Greene, 
Pres.; Mrs. D. J. Goss, V.-Pres.; Miss Lelia Caffin, 2d V.-Pres.; Mrs. C. P. 
Vaughan, Sec; Mrs. D. W. Lewis, Treas. Number of members April 22, 1868, 
40; present membership, 50. 

Young- Ladies'' Aid Society. — Organized Sept., 1S82. First officers — Margaret 
W. Stockbridge, Pres.; Lizzie U. Emerson, V.-Pres. ; Carrie S. Capron, Sec. 
Last officers — Ella E. Goss, Pres.; Mrs. L. H. Mclntire, V.-Pres.; Mary L. 
Blackwell, Sec. This was a very active organization, which, during its existence, 
donated to the church the large, colored front window, representing St. Paul and 
the Good Shepherd; distributed over $700 in charitable ways, and helped many 
needy families. 

Young People's Society of Cliristian Endeavor. — Organized Dec. 16, 1884. First 
officers — Dr. J. K. Knight, Pres.; Geo. E. Doty, V.-Pres.; Miss H. C. Chamber- 
lain, Sec; E. W. Lewis, Treas. Present officers — Ralph J. Ellis, Pres.; Miss 
M. B. Caffin, V.-Pres. ; Miss Lucia Alger, Sec ; Miss G. E. Holt. Treas. Past 
Presidents — Dr. /• K. Ivnight, Joseph D. Ellis, Henry R. Stone, Fred W. Brown, 
Chas. E. Hathaway. Present membership, 72. 

Heart and Hand Society (]nwQ\\\\e). — Organized Dec. i, 1877. Officers — Miss 
Annie J. Walker, Sec; Miss Grace Robinson, Treas. Number of members at 
organization, 43 regular ; 22 honorary. The society was disbanded in 1884, and 
during the seven years of its existence distributed to missions 5933.23. The 
missionary work, home and foreign, has been assisted every year from 1877 ( with 
one exception) by juvenile effort, but under different organizations. 

Children's Missionary Society. Organized in 1886. First President — Mrs. P. 
B.Davis; Present President — Mrs. Wm. Wood. Present membership, 45. Dis- 
tributed to missions during past year, $100. 

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church. — Organized Feb. 10, 1867. First officers — 
N. T. Whitaker, Pastor ; Martin L. Whicher, John Terry, David C. Bancroft, 
Byley Lyford, Charles D. Hubbard, Stewards. Present officers — John Terry, 
H. B. Terry, W. H. Norris, A. PL Holway, C. Haley, A. R. Whittier, George L. 
Stocking, A. E. Bradley, Trustees ; C. A. House, George E. Haven, N. F. Berry, 
G. H. Peare, W. H. Norris, P. Merritt, E. L. Jennings, E. S. Norris, E. Buss, 
Stewards. Pastors — Revs. N. T. Whittaker, Geo. Prentice, E. S. Best, E. A. 
Manning, G. W. Mansfield, J. S. Whedon, PL J. Fox, D. D.. W. N. Richardson, 
Jesse Wagner, Frederick Woods, D. D., W. T. Worth. Number of members 
April 22, 1868, 53 ; present membership, 305. 

Sunday School. — Organized June 28, 1857. First officers — Daniel Warren, 
Supt. ; Ira Benton, Chor. ; L. B. Hanaford, Lib. Present officers — C. A. House, 
Supt. ; Geo. E. Haven, ist Asst. ; Mrs. A. H. Holwav, 2d Asst.; C. B. Peare, 
Sec; H. E. Morrill, Treas.; Miss M. Blake, Asst. Treas.; C. S. Norris, Lib.; 
F. W. Howard, fohn Hurst, Assts. Past Superintendents — Daniel Warren, 
John Mcllroy, M. L Whicher. T. E. Bowman, S. H. Hatch, R. W. Husted, H. F. 
Howard, J. P. Higgins, Geo. E. Haven. Number of members April 22, 1868, 125 ; 



66 

present membership, 439. This Sunday school was the pioneer in Hyde Park. 
For years it met at the house of Daniel Warren, and was known as the " Warren 
Fairmount Sunday school." 

Ladies' Social Circle. — Organized July i, 1869. First officers — Mrs. B. F. 
Radford, Pres. ; Mrs. E. M. Swift, V.-Fres. ; C. D. Hubbard, Treas. ; Mrs. G. W. 
Hubbard, Sec. Present offtcers— Mrs. Lovell, Pres.; Mrs. H Terry and Mrs. 
Mclntire, V.-Pres. ; Mrs. G. E. Haven, Sec. and Treas. Number of members at 
organization, 28 ; present membership, 45. Besides other charitable work, have 
raised nearly $4,000 toward church debt. 

Womaii's Foreign Missionary Society. — Organized Sept. 11, 1879. P'irst offi- 
cers — Mrs. Alderman, Pres; Mrs. Richardson, V.-Pres.; Ella F. Norris, Rec. 
Sec; Mrs. Higgins, Cor. Sec. ; Mrs. Radford, Treas. Present officers — Mrs. 
Woods, Pres. ; Mrs. Radford, V.-Pres. : Mrs. House, Cor. Sec. and Treas. ; Mrs. 
S. J. Hill, Rec. Sec. Number of members at organization, 48 ; present member- 
bership, 50. The sum of $550 has been raised for this work; a girl in Pekin, 
China, is supported in school, and a sum raised to assist in endowing an illustrated 
paper for women of India. 

Woman's Home Missionary Society. — Organized May 5, 1887. Present officers — 
Mrs. J. Hill, Pres. ; Mrs. R. Mclntire, Mrs. J. Terry and Mrs. J. Caller, V.-Pres.; 
Mrs. P. Merritt, Rec. Sec. ; Mrs. Coleworthy, Cor. Sec. ; Mrs. W. H. Sayer, 
Treas. Number of members at organization, 21 ; present membership, 35. i\Tis- 
sionary contributions, $160; one barrel clothing, 40 subscribers to Woman's Home 
Missions. 

Young People's Society. — Organized Nov. 2, 1885. F'l'st officers — C. S. Nor- 
ris, Pres. ; Annie Clark, V.-Pres.; Lizzie Husted, Sec. ; Ed. Jenney, Treas. Pres- 
ent officers — C. S. Norris, Pres.; A. D. Wheeler, V.-Pres. ; Emily Woods, Sec. ; 
W. E. Norris, Treas. Present membership, 102. 

Mission Band. — Organized 1883. First officers — Ella Stocking, Pres. ; Emma 
Cochrane and May Allen, V.-Pres. ; Alice Blake, Rec. Sec. ; Helen Cole, Cor. Sec. ; 
Sadie Holway, Treas. Present officers — Mrs. Wiiiward, Pres. ; Sadie Lincoln, 
V.-Pres. ; Emily Woods, Sec. and Treas. Present membership, 20. Contribu- 
tions, $109.50. 

UNITARIAN CHURCH. 

First Unitarian Society. — Organized June I, 1867. Incorporated under the 
general laws June 3, 1868. First officers — Theodore U. Weld, Pres. ; A. P. Blake, 
V. Pres. ; Benj. C. Vose, Clerk; David D. Ranlett, Treas. l-^resent officers — 
Theodore D. Weld, Pres.; F. W. Tewksbury, V.-Pres.; Benj. C. Vose, Cleik; 
Frank W. Darling, Treas. Past irs — Revs. T. B. Forbush, Wm. Hamilton. 
Francis C. Williams, A. Judson Rich, and James Huxtable. Theodore I). Weld 
has served as President from the organization ; Benj. C. Vose as Clerk, Treasurer, 
or Vice-President ; and F. W. Tewksbury nine years as Vice-President. Number 
of members at organization, 28 ; present membership, 105. 

Sunday School. — No record of organization. First officers — B. C. Vose, Supt. ; 
Sarah M. Vose, Treas.; Horace Sumner, Lib. Present officers — Rev. James 
Huxtable, Pastor; Walter C. Brvant, Supt.; Wm. R. Hal), Asst. Supt. ; Sarah M. 
Vose, Treas. ; Fred. H. Bryant, Lib. Present membership, 150. 

Ladies' Social a7id Benevolent Society. — Organized Sept. 24, 1874. First officers — 
Mrs. F. C. Williams, Pres. ; Miss S. M. Vose, Sec. Present officers — Mrs. F. W. 
Tewksbury, Pres. ; Mrs. P. H. Alexander, Sec. Number of members at organiza- 
tion, 46; present membership, 58. 

Unity Club. — Organized Oct. 24, 1884. First officers — Rev. James Huxtable, 
Pres. ; P. H. Alexander, V.-Pres. ; Miss Abbie S. Teele, Sec. ; A. B. H. Chapin, 
Treas. Present officers — Fred. R. Hill, Pres.; C. K. Gurney, V.-Pres.; Miss 
Hattie F. Packard, Sec; Frank G. Head, Treas. Past Presidents — Rev. James 
Huxtable, P. H. Alexander, R. W. Karnan. Number of members at organization, 
23; present membership, over 50. The object of the club is to promote social 
intercourse among its members, by literary, musical, and other entertainments, and 
to promote the interests of the First Unitarian Society. 



UNION EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 



Union Evangelical Church. — Organized April 26, 1872. First officers J. N. 

Stevens, Clerk; Mrs. Mary Mathevvson, Treas. Present officers— J. N. Til'ton,' 
Clerk; S. T. Case, Treas.; J. N. Tilton and S. T. Case, Deacons. Pastors — 
Revs. Wm. F. Davis and J. B. Davis ; supplied by students for the past ten years. 
Number of members at organization, 5 ; present membership, 23. 

Union Evangelical Religious Society. — Organized Aug. 27, 1870. First officers 

J. N. Stevens, Clerk; David H. Wight, Treas.; Geo. E. Sherman, J. N. Stevens, 
B. F. Garland, Pru. Com. Present officers — J. N. Tilton, Clerk; S. T. Case/ 
Treas.; J. N. Tilton, S. T. Case, E. W. Lyon, P. A. Spencer, Charles Spencer, 
Pru. Com. 

CLARENDON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Clarendon Congregational Church. — Organized April 19, iSSo. First officers — 
Rev. Samuel D. Hosmer, Pastor ; Wm. C. Cannon, Clerk ; John H. Tuckerman, 
Treas.; John H. Halden, Auditor; John H. Tuckerman, John Halden, Deacons ; 
Rosina Beet, Laurana W. Mellen, Deaconesses; W. C. Cannon, S. S. Supt. 
Present officers — Rev. A. H. Johnson, Pastor; Geo. E. Grant, Clerk ; Wm. R. 
Todd, Treas.; John Halden, Auditor; Wm. R. Todd, Deacon; Mrs. A.A.Day, 
Deaconess Number of members at organization, 20 ; present membership, 41. 

Clarendon Hills Congregational Society.— Organized and incorporated Jan. 14, 
1878. First officers— Chas. H. Yeaton. Clerk; L. J. Bird, S. D. Hilborn, 
Adolphus Sherman, J. E. Rogers, Wm. B. Furbush, C. B. Bedlington, John Hal- 
den, Ex. Com.; C. H. Yeaton, Treas. Present officers — Rev. A. H. Johnson, 
Pastor; Andrew Bates, Clerk and Treas. ; A. A. Day, Col. ; Rev. A. H. Johnson, 
Miss L. E. Fogerty, Miss L. B. Stevens, A. A. Day, and Mrs. M. C. Littleiield, Ex. 
Com.; John Halden, Aud. Number of members at organization, 17 ; present 
membership, 70. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

Roman Catholic Church. — Organized Oct. 3, 1870. Pastors — Revs. W. J. Cor- 
coran, James S. Conlan, and Richard J. Barry. Number of members at. organiza- 
tion, 2,200; present membership, 2,700. 

Sunday School. — D. A. Leonard, Supt. Present membership, 400. 

Holy Ahune Society. — Organized Nov. 14, 1886. First officers — D. A. Leonard, 
Pres.; J. D. McAvoy, V.-Pres.; Michael F. Moylen, Sec; Ludger Toubert, Treas.; 
Rev. Father Burke, Spiritual Director. Present officers — D. A. Leonard, Pres. ; 
J. D. McAvoy, V.-Pres; Chas. F. Morrison, Sec; Ludger Joubert, Treas.; Rev. 
R. J. Barry, Spiritual Director. Number of members at organization, 144 ; pres- 
ent membership, 16S. A benevolent society, paying monthly dues, the balance of 
which, after actual expenses, goes for the benefit of the poor of the parish. 

Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. — Organized in 1880. First officers — Mrs. James 
S. Coveney, Pre. ; Miss Mary McGillicuddy, Asst. Pre. Present officers — Rev. H. 
A. I5arry, Sp. Director; Miss B. McGillicuddy, Pre.; Mary Galligan and Marion 
Jackson, Asst. Pre. Present membership, 100. The end of this society is to foster 
piety, virtue, and the practice of good works, such as visiting the sick and succoring 
the needy. 

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 

Young Men s Christian Association. — Organized Feb. 2, 1S85. First officers — C. 
L. Alden, Pres. ; C. P. Vaughan, V.-Pres. ; I. C. Webster, Sec. ; John Mackrille, 
Treas.; Geo. E. Haven, W. F. Badger, S. N. Piper, Dir. Present officers — Alex. 
Millar, Pres. ; C. L. Alden, V.-Pres. ; C. B. Peare. Rec Sec ; A. F. Delano, Treas.; 
G. E. Haven, W. F. Badger, J. K. Knight, H. J. Whittemore, Charles Haley, \. C. 
Webster, Directors. Number of members at organization, 13 ; present membership, 
165. 

Ladies' Auxiliary. — Organized Mar. 19, 1885. First officers — Mrs. A. H. Brain- 
ard, Pres. ; Mrs. B. F. Radford, Mrs. W. H. Powers, Mrs. S. N. Piper, Mrs. M. E. 
Hill, V.-Pres. ; Mrs. C. P. Vaughan, Sec. ; Mrs. E. D. Swallow, Treas. Present 
officers — Mrs. H. J. Whittemore, Pres.; Mrs. H. H. Gould, Mrs. G. M. Fellows, 



68 



Mrs. I. J. Brown, Mrs. A. J. Adams, V.-Pres. ; Mrs. C. P. Vaughan, Sec. ; Mrs. M. 
E. Hill, Treas. Number of members at organization, 26; present membership, 75. 

MASONIC BODIES. 

//yde Fark Lod^e, Free and Accepted Masons. — Organized February i, 1866. 
First officers — Enoch P. Davis, W. M.; Robert Campbell, S. W. ; Charles F 
Gerry, J. W. ; S. A. Bradbury, Treas. ; Chas. A. Jordan, Sec; D. S. Hill, S. D. 
W. F. Ward, J. D.; Rev. A. H. Washburn, Chap.; Wm. A. Bullard, Mar. ; Wm 
U. Fairbairn, S. S. ; W. W. Colburn, T- ■>•; James L. Vialle, I. S. ; F. H. Caffin 
Ty. Present officers — Henry F. Howard, W. M. ; Albert E. Bradley, S. W. 
Robert Scott, Jr., J. W.; Henry S. Bunton, Treas.; T. Daniel Tooker, Sec. ; Dr 
Charles Sturtevant, Chap. ; Franklin C. Graham, Mar. ; Asa J. Adams, S. D. 
Dr. J. K. Knight, J. D.; Frank S. Norton, S. S. ; Edwin J. Tuckerraan, J. S. 
Arch. R. Sampson, T. S.; Frank D. Draper, Or.; David A. McDonald, Ty. Past 
Masters — Enoch P. Davis. 1866-67; Charles F. Gerry, 186S-69 ; William H 
Jordan, 1870-71; Henry S. Bunton, 1872-73; Fergus A. Easton, 1874-75 
William H. Ingersoll, 1876-77; Charles H. Colby, 1878-79; John F. Ross. 
1S80-81 ; Stephen B. Balkam, 1882-83; Henry N. Bates, 18S4-85 ; James F, 
Mooar, 1886-87. Number of members April 22, 1868, 56; present membership, 147, 

No7-folk Royal Arch Chapter. — Organized May 18, 1870. First officers — Enoch 
P. Davis, M. E. H. P.; Sylvanus Crjbb, Jr., E. K. ; Charles F. Gerry, E. S. 
Fergus A. Easton, C. of H. ; John F. Caldwell, P. S.; Charles E. Bunker, R. A 

C. ; Wm. A. Heustis, M. 3d V. ; Henry C. Adams, M. 2d V.; Henry W^ Wood 
M. 1st v.: Wm. J. Stuart, Treas.; Henry S. Bunton, Sec. ; Geo. F. Bemis, Chap. 
James L.'Vialle, S. S. ; David S. Hill, J. S. ; Joel F. Goodwin, Ty. Present 
officers — Henry N. Bates, M. E. H. P.; Philander Harlow, E. K.; George L. 
Lang, E. S. ; Henry S. Bunton, Treas. ; T. Daniel Tooker, Sec. ; Merrill Under 
hill, C. of H. ; Clement B. Tower, P. S. ; Thomas E. Clary, R. A. C. ; Frank N 
Bates, M. 3d V. ; Albert E. Bradley, M. 2d V. ; Asa J. Adams, M. ist V. ; George 
Miles, Chap.; Charles L. Farnsworth, S. S. ; James H. Hood, J. S. ; David A. Mc- 
Donald, Ty. Past High Priests— Enoch P. Davis, 1870; Gamaliel Hodges, 1871- 
72; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., 1873; Henry S. Bunton, 1874-5-6; Charles C. Nichols, 
1877 ; William H. "ingersoll, 187S ; Henry C. Chamberlain, 1879 ! Charles L. 
Farnsworth, 1880-1 ; Moses N. Gage, 1882-3 ; David L. Hodges, 1884-5 i Mel- 
ville P. Morrell, 1886. Membership at organization, 24 ; present membership, 94. 

Hyde Park Council, Royal and Select Masters. Organized October i, 1872. 
First officers — Fergus A. Easton, T. 111. M. ; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., R. 111. M. ; 
William H. Ingersoll, 111. M. of W. ; William J. Stewart, Treas.; Henry S. 
Bunton, Rec; William H. Heustis, C. of G. ; Edward Roberts, C of C. ; Joel F. 
Goodwin, S. ; Philander Harlow, Ty. Present officers — David L. Hodges, T. 
111. M.; Ellis H. Williams, D. M.; Moses N. Gage. P. C. of W.; Henry S. Bunton, 
Treas.; Dr. Charles Sturtevant, Rec; Henry N. Bates, C. of G.; Philander 
Harlow, C. of C; Rev. George Hill, Chap.; Seneca Sanford, Mar.; James L. 
Vialle, St.; David A. McDonald, Sent. Past Thrice Illustrious Masters — Fergus 
A. Easton, 1872; Gamaliel Hodges, 1873-74; Fergus A. Easton, 1875; Henry S. 
Bunton, 1876-77 ; John F. Ross, 1878 ; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., 1879-80; Charles M. 
Tilly, 1881 ; Henry N. Bates, 1882 ; Davis L. Hodges, 1883-84-85-86-87. Number of 
members at organization, 14 ; present membership, 89. 

Cyprus Cotnmandery of Knights Templars and the Appendant Orders — Organized 
Oct. 31, 1873. First officers — Gamaliel Hodges, E. C. ; Charles H. Colby, Gen.; 
Henry S. Bunton, C. G. ; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Pre. ; Geo. F. Lincoln. S. W. ; Enoch 
P. Davis, J. W.; Charles H.'Colby, Acting Treas.; Howard Jenkins, Treas. Present 
officers — Melville P. Morrell, E.G.; Henry N. Bates, Gen.: George L. Lang. C. 
G. ; Henry S. Bunton, Pre. ; Albert G. Webb, S. W. ; Alonzo B. Wentworth, J.»W.; 
Stephen B. Balkam, Treas. ; James F. Mooar, Rec; Charles L Farnsworth. St. B.; 
Georce Miles, Sw. B.; John F. Videto, W. ; Frank H. Bates, T. C. of G.; Franklin 

D. Brigham, S. C. of G. ; Leroy J. French, F. C. of G. ; Frank D. Draper, Or.; 
David A. McDonald, Sent. Past P^minent Commanders — Gamaliel Hodges, 1873- 
74-75; Henry C. Chamberlain, 1876-77; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., 1878; Henry S. Bun- 
ton, 1879 80; George F. Lincoln, 1881-82; Stephen B. Balkham, 1S8384 ; Moses N. 
Gage, 1885-86. Number of members at organization, 12; present membership, 87. 



69 

ODD FELLOWS. 

Forest Lodi;t\ iVo. 14S, huiepeiident Order 0/ Odd /v/Zotot. — Organized Feb. 
20, 1869. First officers — David Perkins, N. G ; Kufiis B. I'lumnier. V. (]. • 
George G. Bolton, Sec. ; Nathaniel Shepard, Treas. Present officers— Jacob c! 
Hanscom, N. G. ; C. L. Stevens, V. G. ; Henry F. Arnold, Kec. Sec. ; I,. B. 
French, Treas.; M. M. Fitton, Per. Sec. I'ast Noble Grands — David I'erkins', 
Geo. G. Bolton, R. B. Plummer, Geo. W. Halliday, J. R. Thompson, [(^hn A.' 
Soule, A. W. Davis, N. F. Shepard, A. Greenwood, Roland Raymond, i;. 15. 
Noyes, Rufus K. Rich, Thomas C. Holmes, L. H. Russell, Henrv Koutlcv, K. F. 
Boynton, Wm. Price, Henry F. Arnold, ]. F. Peppeard, John M. Howe, K. J. 
Wescott, H. P. Bussey, Geo. L. Eldridge, Fred ]<:. Rollins, Wm. W. Fowler, 
Frank H. Fogg, C. S. Butters, Wm. E. Kelley, James H. Bell, Robt. P. Holmes, 
M. H. Barker, E. L. Stevens, E. J. Price, E. J. Tuckerman, Mark T. Hatch. 
Number of members at organization, 9; present membership, 181. 

Monterey Encampinciit, No. 60. — Organized Feb. 25, 1887. First ofiicers — 
Wm. E. Kelley, C. P.; Geo. L. Eldridge, H. P. ; Henry F. Arnold, Scribe ; Edwin 
J. Tuckerman, Treas. ; Charles S. Butters, S. W. ; Robert Woolard, J. W. Present 
officers — Robert Woolard, C. P.; Wm. E. Kelley, PI. P.; Henry F. Arnold, 
Scribe; E. L. Fetting, Treas.; W. M. Fairbanks, S. W. ; Frank H. Fogg, T- W. 
Nnmber of members at organization, 14; present membership, no. 

Progressive Degree Lodge, N0.J4, Daughters of Rebekah. — Instituted March 8, 1S82. 
First officers — Wm. Price, N. G. ; Sarah J. Boynton, V. G. ; Henry F". Arnold, 
Rec. Sec. ; Maria P. Stark, Fin. Sec. ; Franklin C. Graham, Treas ; Magdelene C. 
Keltie, Chap. Present officers — Geo. L Eldridge, N. G. ; Jennie M. Hanscom, 
V. G. ; Caroline F. Arnold, Rec. Sec; Rosa J. Eldridge, Treas.; Sarah E. 
Woodward, Fin. Sec. ; Jane Burns FMwards, Chap. Number of members at 
organization, 29; present membership, 100. Annual dues, ^1.50. Sick benefits, 
$1.00 per week. Funeral benefit, $15.00. 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

Bayard Lodge. — Organized April 2, 1870. First officers — Merrill Underbill, 
P. C. ; Henry A. Darling, P. C. ; Austin A. Cushman, C. C; John Miles, V. C. ; 
Merrill Underbill, V. P. ; Henry A. Darling, M. E. ; C. L. Farnsworth, K. R. S. ; 
John Beatey, M. A.; A. J. Whittier, I. S. ; B. H. Hardy, O. S. 

UNITED ORDER INDEPENDENT ODD LADIES. 

Ambassadress Lodge, No. ^. — Organized Feb. 9, iSSo. " Government " incorpo- 
rated Sept. 19, 1883; First officers— S. A. Davis, N. L. ; S. J. Boynton, V. E. ; A. 
Holmes, Chap.; E. A. Hamblin. P. L. ; A. M. Prentiss, S. R. ; S. H. Parentis, J. 
R. ; A. B. Howe, S. W.; S. A. York, J. W.; A. E. Gunnison, L. R.; E. L. Hatch, 
C. Sec; C. F:. Boynton, R. Sec; C. F. Arnold, Treas.; M. D. Peppeard. C. ; 
C. L. Brooks, G. Present officers — E. F. Fitton, N. L. ; R. J. Hallur, V. L. ; 
M. Worthylake, Chap.; N. S. Davis, P. L. ; P. A. Williams, S. R. ; S. J. 
Fowler, J. R. ; F. Mallard, S. W. ; A. L. Wilson, J. W. ; A. B. Howe, L. R. ; 
C. F. Arnold, Rec. Sec. ; S. T- Boynton, Fin. Sec. ; S. J. Hamor, Treas. ; K. T. 
Ellis, C; C. F. Adler, G. Past Noble Ladies — S. J. Boynton, C. L. Brooks, 
M. D. Peppeard, R. W. Tibbetts, C. F. Arnold. A. B. Howe, M. C. Keltie, 
E. L Hatch, L. B. Buck, A. Holmes, B. E. Brackett. H. N. Walmeslev, S. A. 
York, L. L. Clark, P. A. Williams, F. L. Williams. S. \. Fowler, M. L. Rich, 
S. E. Mitchell, M. E. Harmon, E. McDonald, L. A. Brainard, A. L. Wilson. S. J. 
Hamor, A. Holtham, A. E. Gunnison, M. A. Landt, C. F. Adler, L. B. Merrill. 
Number of members at organization, 14 ; present membership, 36. Total mem- 
bership since organization, 88; death, removals, and withdrawals to form other 
lodges have decreased the number. Four lodges are now in good working order, 
whose origin traces to Ambassadress ; the membership of them at the present time 
is 375. Since organization this lodge has distributed for sick benefits, etc., $500. 
Amount of cash on hand in bank and paraphernalia, $200. 



JO 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RED MEN. 

Neponset Tribe, No. 26. — Organized Sept. 9, 1886. First officers — M. M. 
Whipple, P. ; James McKay, S. ; Geo. L. Eldridge, S. S. ; O. W. Woodward, 
J. S.; F. W. Jones, C. R. ; O. W. Manuel, A. C. K. ; Dr. J. C. Lincoln, K. W. 
Piesent officers — A. R. Williams, P.; Fred A. Leason, S. ; Geo. McDougald, 
S S. ; Geo.K. Hartman, J. S. ; Edward J. Ellis, C. R. ; O. W. Manuel, A. C. R. ; 

E. F. Stevens, K. W. Sachems — James McKay, G. L. Eldridge, A. R. Williams, 

F. A. Leason. Number of members at organization, 24; present membership, 
122. 

MASSACHUSETTS CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS. 

St. John's Court, No. 23. — Organized Dec. 14, 1880. First officers — James E. 
Cotter, C. R. ; Thomas Murray, V. C. R. ; Eugene McCarthy, Fin. Sec; Frederick 
S. Sullivan, Rec. Sec; John McKenna, Treas. Present officers — Charles F. 
Morrison, C. K. ; Dennis Mahoney, V. C. R. ; Thomas Murray, R. S. ; John 
Brady, Treas.; Fred S. Sullivan, Fin. Sec. Past presiding officers — James E. 
Cotter, Thomas Murray, Fred S. Sullivan, Thomas Mulcahy, John Cullinane, 
Richard J. Sullivan, John H. Russell. Number of members at organization, 46; 
present membership, 30. The object of this organization is to promote friendship, 
unity, and true Christian charity. Friendship, by assisting each other by every 
means in our power ; unity, in uniting for mutual support, and in making suitable 
provision for the widow and orphan ; true Christian charity, in doing to each other 
as ue would wish that others should do unto us. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 



The following is a list of soldiers of the Civil War, who resided at time of enlist- 
ment within the present territorial limits of Hyde Park : 

Robert R. Andrews, Robert Edson, — 

Moses Angell, Charles J. Ellis, Wi 

Wm. F. Badger, Thomas C. Evans, 

Benj. J. Bartlett, Justin Farnum, 

Geo. Bent, Andrew Fisher, 

Sumner Bradbury, Herman Fisher, 

Geo. C. Bunker, William Fisher, 

W. Campbell, William Fletcher, 

Lorenzo Chandler, Samuel G. Greene, 

Wm. Chandler, Richard Griffin, 

Henry Chowdy, Geo. W. Halladay, 

Wm. Constantine, John T. Halladay, 

Wm. Conway, JDavid Higgins, 

Andrew N. Damrell, Wm. Higgins, 

Horace S. Damrell, Benj. Hill, 

Wm. S. Damrell, John C. Holt, 

Wm. Darby, Sewell S. Ingraham, 

Edmund Davis, H. G. W. Kittredge, 

Patrick Donley, James Lincoln, 
Edward Dow, 
W^ 



Nehemiah Lincoln, 



Whiting, 



John M. Williams. 



— Loring, 
A Mason, 
Elijah W. Moffatt, 
Thomas Murray, 
J. H. Nightingale, 
Wm. Nightingale, 
E. Norton, 
Daniel O'Connell, 
Wm. O'Connell, 
George Pierce, 
Wm. L. Pierce, 
Henry S. Reed, 
W. O. V. Rockwood, 
Wm. S. Spring, 
Freeman Spiller, 
Manly Spiller, 
Frank D. Thompson, 
James J. Viallie, 
Isaac White, 
Wm. Whitney, 



Grand Army of the Republic. Timothy Ins;raham Post, No. 121. — Organized Mar. 
24, 1870. First officers — Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Com. ; Fergus A. Easton, S. V, C. ; 
George F. Bemis, J. V. C. ; Henry C. Adams, Adj.; Henry S. Bunton, Quar. ; 
Lewis E. Fisher, Surg. ; Francis C. Williams, Chap. ; Elijah W. Moffatt, Serg. Maj.; 
James E. Dow, Q. M. Serg.; Henry R. Lee, Off. Day; Moses E. Angel, Off. Guard. 
Present officers — James McKay, Com.; Sylvester R. Swett, S. V. C. ; Charles E. 
Palmer, J. V. C; George A. Whitcher, Adj.; Edwin J. Chandler, Quar. ; Charles 
C. Hayes. M. D., Surg. ; Rev. H. W.Tilden, Chap. ; William Carberry, Serg. Maj. ; 
Abel C. Ford, Q. M. Serg.; Daniel Kelleher, Off. Day; Leander Wentworth, Off. 
Guard. Past presiding officers — Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Fergus A. Easton, Henry S. 



71 



Bunton G. Henry, Perkins, Henry A. Darling, Richard F. Boynton, David W. Lewis, 
George E. Eldridge, Lemuel B. French, George G. Bailey, Jr., Stephen H. Reynolds. 
Number of members at organization, 17 ; present membership, 140. Amount re- 
ceived from fairs, collection in church and gifts, j?2,462.38. Amount paid out for 
relief of soldiers, or their widows and orphans, $2,620.99. List of members : 
lulius R. Bloom, George Enos, James S. Mitchell, 

Wm. C. Eustis, E. W. Moffatt, 

Henry S. Fellows, Randolph P. Moseley, 

James W. Fenn, Thomas Murray, 

Albert Fisher, Joseph M. Nichols, 

Andrew P'isher, Joseph A. Noble, 

Benj. E. Fogg, Wm. H. Norris, 

Thomas Foley, Geo. E. Noyes, 

Abel C. Ford, Daniel O'Connell, 

M. Fradenburg, Charles E. Palmer, 

Lemuel B. French, Geo. H. Peare, 

Martin Gibbons, E. B. Pendleton, 

R. J. Gordon, Benj. E. Phillips, 

Cyrus Gorman, Henry B. Phipps, 

Wm. J. Graham, Samuel N. Piper, 

Wm. A. Gray, S. W. Poland, 

Charles L. Green, Henry M. Preston, 

Bradley F. Gurney, Stephen H. Reynolds, 

M. T. Hatch, Edward L. Roone, 

Charles C. Hayes, M. D., James F. Rumrell, 



Richard F. Boynton, 
Frank D. Brigham, 
G. i). Brown, 
Albion P. Bickmore, 
Silas P. Blodgett, 
Henry S. Bunton, 
George W. Briggs, 
G. C. Blaisdell, 
Nathaniel F. Berry, 
Walter C. Bryant, 
Wm. F. Badger, 
Geo. G. Bailey, Jr., 
J. E. Belcher, 
[ohn Beatey, 
John M. Blood, 
John R. Bond, 
John C. Blanchard, 
Geo. W. Bent, 
Henry B. Carrington 
John Campbfcll, 
Wm. Carberry, 
Edwin J. Chandler, 
A. F. Cheever, 
J. K. Christopher, 
Ethan S. Churchill, 
David A. Cochran, 
James G. Cook, 
Michael Conroy, 
Reuben Corson, 
Wm. Coullahan, 
Geo. W. CuUen, 
James A. Cullen, 
Michael Curley, 
Henry A. Darling, 
Edmund Davis, 
Samuel F. Davey, 
Alfred A. Day, 
Frank H. Dean, 
George S. Downes, 
Daniel Dunn, 
James M. Durell, 
E. Q. Dver, 
Geo. L. Eldridge, 
Charles J. Ellis, 
Joseph D. Ellis, 
Frank E. Emery 



David Higgins 

losiah P. Higgins, 

■fa^. M. Hobbey, 

Charles F. Holt, 

J. C. Plolt, 

Robert Jackson, 

Howard Jenkins, 

Jas. V. Josselyn, 

John H. Kazar, 

Daniel Kelleher, 

Wm. W. Ketchum 

Henry Landt, 

Geo. L. Lang, 

Wm. D. Laws, 

Geo. H. Lee, 

David W. Lewis, 

Elijah Lincoln, 

Andrew Long, 

O. W. Manuel, 

Robert Marshall, 

Thomas Martin, 

Herbert A. Maxwell, 

D. McDougald, 

Wm. McDonald, 

James McKay, 

Patrick McKenna, 

Gustav A. Meisler, 
Cornelius A. Weeden, John M 

Names of deceased comrades of Timothy Ingraham Post, No. 121. 
Mou/it Jlo/'t' — George PL Haliday, Frank Whitcher, Charles F. Howard, 

Thomas W. Floyd, Nightingale, Geo. C. Tinkham, (Oliver Colburn. 

Forest /////s — Isaac W. Elwell. 

IVoodlaxun, Chelsea — Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. 

Old Dedhani Cemetery, Dedham — Andrew J. Ross. 

St. Mary s Raman Catholic, Dedham — Martin McDonough. 

Neivbiiryport — John K. Rowell. 



Lauriman PL Russell, 
John W. Sanborn, 
James Sandow, 
Eben T. Sears, 
J. F. Stackpole, 
Tobias Stackpole, 
E. F. Stevens, 
Robert H. Stokoe, 
Charles Sturtevant, M. D. 
Sylvester R. Swett, 
Henry B. Terry, 
Francis W. Tewksbury, 
Rev. Horace W. Tilden, 
Charles B. Tower, 
James M. Trotter, 
Joseph H. Twitchell, 
Chas. H.Tyler, 
E. R. Walker, 
Thomas Wallace, 
Andrew Washburn, 
Leander Wentworih, 
Lewis Wheeler, 
Joshua Wilder. 
"Geo. A. Whitcher, 
J. H. White, 
Daniel F. Wood, 
Geo. H. Wood, 
Young. 



■J2 

Resident G. A. R. men who are not connected with the local I'ost : Frank C . 
Austin, James K. Bigelow, Nathaniel M. Putnam, Dennis G. Walker, J. P. Bills, 
M. D., Benj. A. Hewins. 

Timothy In(;rahaui Relief Corps, N'o. jj. Auxiliary to G. A. R. — Organized 
Feb. i8, 1884^ First officers — Helen Bryant, Pres. ; Annie Churchill, S. V. ; 
Lucy A. Reynolds, J. V. ; M. A. Eustis, Sec. ; Mary G. Bunton, Treas. ; Jane H. 
Berry, Chap. ; Elizabeth F. Bickmore, Con. ; Mary F. Gurney, G. Present 
officers — Elizabeth F. Bickmore, Pres. ; Belle Alexander, S. V. ; Marietta Davis, 
J. V. ; Helen A. Brigham, Sec. ; Mary G. Bunton, Treas. ; Louisa U, Whitcher, 
Chap.; Maria Brigham, Con.; Griselda Ford, G. Past Presidents —^ Helen 
Bryant, Annie Churchill, Elizabeth V. Lang, Lucy A. Reynolds. Number of 
members at organization, 45 ; present membership, 62. 

Camp Reynolds (Independent) Sons of Veterans. — Organized Sept. 10, 1887. 
First officers— Daniel Kelleher. Capt. ; Robert W. Walker, Tst Lieut.; John L. 
Frame, 2d Lieut. Present officers — D. Kelleher, Capt; R. W. Walker, rst 
Lieut.; J. L. Frame, 2d Lieut. ; F. H. Bryant, Or. S.; C. L. Kelleher, Col. S. ; W. 
H. Weeden, 2d S. ; J. J. Wallace, 3d S. ; B. E. Phillips, Jr., 4th S. ; Silas Dady, 
Drum Major. Number of members at organization, 28 ; present membership, 33. 
The ages of members range from 13 to 39 years. Thursday evening, Dec. 8, 1S87, 
(three, months after organization) the Camp was presented a fine set of colors by 
the citizens, consistmg of U. S. National ensign, and pair of guidon markers. This 
is the only camp of the kind known. 

INSURANCE ORDERS. 

Hyde Park Lodge, No. 4.J7, Knights of Honor. — Organized Jan. 31, 1877. First 
officers — Geo. H. Miller, P. D. ; Samuel Cochrane, D.; Howard Jenkins, V. D. 
Lucius Allen, Jr., A. D.; E. E. Edwards, Rep.; Edwin De Meritte, F. R. ; Alfred A 
Brooks, Treas.; F. W. Tewksbury, G. ; Palmer Merritt, Chap.; H. J. Townsend, G. 
Thomas Ward, S. Present officers — D. G. Thompson, P. D ; H. J. Townsend, D. 
Geo. E. Haven, V. D. ; Laban Worrick, A. D. ; Howard Jenkins, Rep. ; James S 
Mitchell, F. R ; A. A. Mandell, Treas.; Geo. Kenney, G.;' Henry M. Buck, Chap. 
Geo. F. Bradford, G.; John Gilson, S. Past Dictators — Samuel Cochrane. 
Howard Jenkins, F. W. Tewksburv, B. C. Vose, E. E. Edwards, W. C. Bryant 
Geo. B, Kerr, H. F. Howard, Parker Jones, D. G. Thompson. Number of 
members at organization, 20 ; present membership, 123. Present amount of lodge 
fund, $2,500. It is used in paying sick benefits to members as per by-laws, and 
current e.xpenses. 

Nepomet Council, No. ij6. Royal Arcanit7n. — Organized Aug. 6, 1878. First officers 
— E. I. Humphrey, Reg.;\T. S. Baker, Sec. Present officers — Chas. H. Tucker, R.; 
Chas. A. House, Sec. Past Regents — E. I. Humphrey, Edmund Davis, F. H. 
Videto, G. Fred Gridley, C. A. House, H. F. Howard, D. W. C. Rogers, Geo. E. 
Haven, Harry Pothecary, John Mackrille, Geo. H. Snow. Number of members at 
organization, 40 ; present membership, to8. 

Golden Rule Commandery, A'c. jj. United Order of the Golden Cross. — Organized 
April 2, 1S79 First officers — Chas. P. Vaughan, N. C; Edmund Davis, N. V. C; 
John N. Bullard, Pre. ; Malcolm Rogers, Her. ; Pitts E. Howes, K. R. ; Edward 
Stone, F. K. R.; Chas. T. Harris, Treas.; Mrs. E. A. Hardy, W. O. G.; Frances D. 
Bullard, W. L G.; Dr. F. L. Gerald, P. N. C. Present officers — Edmund Davis, 
N. C; Lydia B. Merrill, N. V. C; A. M. Merrill, Pre. ; D. F. Wood, K. R.: C. P. 
Vaughan, F. K. R.; C. U. Meiggs, Treas.; E. C. Farwell, Her.; Dr. H. Leseur, 
W. L G ; Roscoe Damon, W. O^G.; S. P. Blodgett, P. N. C. Past Noble Com- 
manders — Chas. P. Vaughan, John N. Bullard, Henry Routley, Dr. H. Leseur, 
C. U. Meiggs, Dr. J. K. Knight, F. H. Dean, Daniel F. Wood, F. C. Graham, E. 
C. Farwell, N. F. Berry, Wilbur H. Powers, S. P. Blodgett. Number of members 
at organization, 19, present membership, 42. A fraternal temperance organization, 
insuring for $2,000, and paying a weekly sick benefit, admitting to membership 
both gentlemen and ladies. 

Fairmoiutt Council, No I4g, Afnerican Legion of Honor. — Organized April 7, 1880. 
First officers— Henry T. Arnold, C. ; E. "E. Blake, V. C. ; H. A. Darling, O.; Dr. 



L. M. Gould, P. C. ; Herbert K. Hunt, Sec; A. K. Bailey, Treas.; Rev. W. N. 
Richardson, Chap.; William Holtham, G. ; G, W. Frost, W. ; T- K. Hall, 8. Pres- 
ent officers— G.W. Frost, C. ; W. M. Wiswall, V. C.; J. I). Davenport, O.; ]. 
H. Chipman, P. C; Albert Davenport, Sec; Dr. W. S. Hincks, Col.; Merrill'under- 
hill, Treas. ; A. IT. Holway, Chap.; H. M. Delapole, G.; Martin Olson, W. ; W. F. 
Curtis, S. Past Commanders — H. F. Arnold, S. S. Somes, J. R. Richardson, W. 
F. Curtis, J. F. Peppeard, J. H. Chipman. Number of members at organization, 25; 
present membership, 52. A fraternal insurance order, paying a sum not exceeding 
^5,000 and weekly sick benefit. Sick or disabled members can draw for ten weeks 
in a year $400 on a thousand, until one-fifth of their insurance is drawn. IJenefici- 
aries of deceased members of Fairmount Council have received $1^,500.00. 
Amount paid by members of Fairmount Council, $10,436.77. 

A'iversufe Loifye A^o. jj, Ancient Order of United Worhiten. — Organized Oct. 31, 
1881. First officers— Geo. G. liailey, Jr., P. M. W.; Hobart M. Cable, M. W .; Orin 
T. Gray, F. ; John F. Elliot O. ; R. C. Habberlcy, Rec; Geo. B.Kerr, R.; Wm. 
Dean Overell, Fin.; Aubrev Macbrien, G.; E. S. Churchill, I. W. ; \. F. Videto, 
O. W. Present officers— H. J- Townsend, P. M. W. ; R. M. Johnson, M. W. ; N. 

B. Crummett, F.; H. F. Wright, O. ; S. N. Piper, G. ; R.C. Habberley, Rec; Asa |. 
Adams, R. ; W. C. Bryant, Fin. ; Parker Jones, I. W^ ; Y. D. Freeman, O. W. ; Dr. 
E. H. Baxter, Med. E.\. Past Master Workmen— O. T. Gray, D. W. C. Rogers, 
T. H. Yideto, F. D. Freeman, H. J. Townsend. Number of members at organiza- 
tion, iS ; present membership, 62. 

Hyde Park Council No. 66, Order of United Friends.— Orgam/.ed March 28, 1S83. 
First officers — Herbert E. Hunt, C. C. ; Maria B. Aldrich. \'. C. C; Wm. Batho, 
Rec; J. B. Fall, Treas. ; Helen A. Brigham, Fin.; Louisa Fall, Pre.; F. H. Bowen, 
G.; T- P- Stevens, S.; T- H. Melzard, P. C. C. Present officers —Chas. F. Graham, 

C. C.; Freeman Means, Y. C. C; A. M. Merrill, Rec; Merrill Underbill, Treas.; 
J. R. Brewer, Fin.; Norman W. Scott, Pre.; Wm. Swinlon, M.; Wm. B. Hilton, G.; 
J. P. Stevens, S. Number of members at organization, 48 ; present membership, 48. 

Locdt Branch, A'o.jSj, Order of the Iron Hall. — Organized Aug. 31, 18S6. First 
officers — C. L. Alden. P. C. J.; Henry A. Haskell, C. J.; S. E. FeVry, V. J.; J. S. 
Browning, Ac; E. O. Taylor, Cash.; G. H. Snow, Ad.; J. H. Tuckerman, Pre.; 
H. F. Holtham, H.; L. E. Bailev, W.; Edward F. Adams, Y.; L. M. Gould, Med. 
E.x. Present officers — W. F. Curtis, C. J.; S. E. Ferry, V. J.; C. H. McDuffie, Ac; 
E. O. Tavlor, Cash.; B. H. Hardy, Ad.; Chas. H. Maxwell, Pre.; L. N. Ferry, H.; 
W^m. P:. Hobby, W.; Trescott L. Morton, V.; L. M. Gould, Med. Ex. Number of 
members at organization, 19; present membership, 32. From Aug. 31, 18S6, to 
March i, 18S8, the sum of $1,375 has been drawn by members of Eocal Branch, 
No. 383, in sick benefits. 

Sisterhood Branch, A^o. j68. — Organized Oct. 17, 1887. First officers — Carrie 
L. Brooks, C. J. ; N. Cecilia Walden, P. C. ].; Ama J. Ellis, V. J.; Susie Y. 
Degen, Ac; Etta M. Fogg, Cash.; E. A. Hardy, H.; Elizabeth S. Lawrence, Ad.; 
Phebe A. Williams, Pre.; Freda Hurd, W ; Lizzie A. Lincoln, Y. Present officers 
— Ama J. Ellis, C. J.; N. C. Walden, P. C. ].; S. E. Bean, Y. J.; C. L. Brooks, 
Ac; E. M. Fogg, Cash.; Freda Hurd, H.; E. S. Lawrence, Ad.; Ellen F. Bean, Pre.; 
Eila S. Day, W.; Lizzie A. Lincoln, V. Number of members at organization, 17 ; 
present membership, 31. Receipts during first year, $141. This order gives a 
sick benefit of $r 5 per week for twenty weeks; is doing good, and said to be a 
blessing to woman. 

A^orfolk Assembly, No. 80, Royal Society of Good Felhm<s. — Organized May 12, 
1S87. First officers — Chas. A. House, R.; Frank H. Wheeler, L; C. H. 
McCrillis, C; John F. Gardner, P. R.; Willis W\ Thompson, Sec; Dr. J. K. 
Knight, Fin. Sec. ; Arch. R. Sampson, Treas.; E. C. Farwell, Pre.; W. S. B. 
Gould, D.; J. T. Daniels, G.; C. S. Gay, S. Present officers — Frank H. Wheeler, 
R.; W. H. Powers, I.; W. S. B. Gould, C. ; W. W. Thompson, Sec. ; Dr. J. K. 
Knight, Fin. Sec; Arch. R. Sampson, Treas.; Wm. G. Shaw, D.; Chas. S. Gay, G.; 
Edward W. McDonald, S. Number of members at organization, 16; present 
membership, 112. A benefit organization which is growing rapidly, and seems 
destined, because of its low rates of insurance, to become one of the largest in the 
country. 



74 

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 

Women's Christian Temperance Uiiioji. — Organized April, 1876. First officers — 
Mrs. E. Sturtevant, Pres.; Mrs. A. H. Holway, Mrs. E. D. Swallow, Mr;;. S. N. 
Putnam, Mrs. |. B. Richardson. V.-Pres.; Mrs. E. T. Lewis, Sec. and Treas. Pres- 
ent officers— Mrs. M. P. Alderman, Pres.; Mrs. E. B. Greene, Mrs. A. W. Radford, 
Mrs. E. N. Goodwin, V.-Pres. ; Mrs. E. D. Swallow, Sec. and Treas. Present mem- 
bership, 40. 

Young Women's Christian Temperance Union. — Organized Dec. 5, 1887. Present 
officers — Mary E. Whittemore, Pres.; Mrs. E. I. Colesworthy, Florence Webster, 
Mary V. Habberley, V. Pres.; Emily Woods, Rec. Sec; Adelaide L. Dodge, Cor. 
.Sec. ; Emma A. Cochrane, Treas. Number of members at organization, 20; present 
membership, 70. 

Fairmoiuit Division, No. 43, Sons of Temperance. — Organized Jan. 7, 1867. First 
officers— rhomas W. Barrel!, W. P.; Ira L. Benton, W. A.; Henry S. Bunton, 
Rec. Sec; Walter Hogan, Con. Past Worthy Patriarchs — Thomas W. Barrel], 
Chas. F. Gerry, George W. Noves, Fergus A. Easton, Henry S. Bunton, Sylvanus 
Cobb, Jr., Nathaniel Bodwell, Ella W. Cobb, Mary M. Williams, Ira L. Benton. 
Reorganized Feb. 24, 1885. Present officer? — W. W. Scott, W. P.; Sarah Lovell^ 
W. A.; Benj. Rafter, R. S., Susan L. Tuttle, A. R. S.; John D. Mallard, F. S.; 
Elijah Lincoln, Treas.; R. C. Habberley, Chap.; George Sherman, Con.: Coria 
Lmcoln, Ass't Con.; Lizzie Swain, L S.; Annie McDugald, O. S.; Fannie M. Mal- 
lard, P. W. P. Number of members at reorganization, 14; present membership 
68. 

Hyde Park Lod^e, Afo. 283, 1. O. G. 7".— Organized Nov. iS, 1S67. First officers — 
William H. Heustis, W. C. T.; John Miles, W. R. S. Last officers— L. A. Soule, 
W. C. T.; George H. Whitcroft, W. R. S. Worthy Chief Templars— Wm. H. 
Heustis, Chas. H. Gilman, Henry S. Bunton, Geo. H. Whitcroft. Charter surren- 
dered April, 1869, with 84 members. 

Simnyside Lodi^e, N'o. 2g, I. O. G. T. — Organized May 5, 1870. First officers — 
E. P. Hamilton, W. C. T.; D. W. Aiken, W. R. S. Charter surrendered October, 
1S73, ^''^ ^ membership of 46. 

Dafnon Lodge, No. 7J, I- O. G. T. (Readville.) — Organized May 7, 1873. First 
officers — John Lowry, W. C. T.; John Moore, W. R. S. Charter surrendered Jan- 
uary, 1876, with a membership of 23. 

Readville Lodge, No. 124, /. O. G. T. — Organized June, 1880. First officers — 
Daniel G. Sunderland, W. C. T.; Russell W. Eaton, W. R. S. Charter surren- 
dered January, 1882, with a membership of 23. 

Eners^etic Lodt^e, IndepeJident Order of Good Templars. — Organized Mar. II, 1882. 
First officers— John Scott, P. C. T., D. F. Wood, W. C. T. ; Edith L. Wier, W. 
V. T.; Geo. H. Manley, W. Sec; Mary P. Keltie, W. Treas.; Mrs. Jessie Beckford, 
W. F. Sec; Geo. Doty, W. Chap.; Chas. Harris, W. M.; Cora Peare, W. I. G.; 
[as. A. Richardson, W. O. G. ; Bessie L. Wheeler, W. R. H. S. Last officers — 
Frank H. Haslam, P. C. T.; Henry Haskell, C. T.; Mrs. J. P. Bills, V. T.; A. \N . 
Chamberlain, Sec; Fred C. Packard, Treas.; Agnes J. Campbell, F. Sec; Wm. H. 
Badger, Mar. ; J. Allan Crosby, Chap.; Clara Holmes, G.; A. R. Andrews, S. ; Mrs. 
Mary Chamberlain, L. H S.; Belle D. Curtis, R. H. S. Past Worthy Chief Tem- 
plars —D. F. Woud, John K. Wightman, Wallace M. Rhoads, Geo. Doty, A. W. 
Chamberlain, John Scott, Ed. J. Price, Frank B. Rich, Galen L. Stone, Henry B. 
Humphrey, William Scott, Fred C. Packard, Leonard W. Hall, Wm. Badger, A. R. 
Andrews, Frank H. Haslam, Henry A. Haskell. 

Temperance Association. — Organized in 1874. First President — T. H. Videto, 
followed by E. I. Humphrey. This association was very successful, holding many 
mass meetings in the churches. The Reform Club absorbed it and intensified the 
public interest in the cause of temperance. 

Reform Club — Organized during 1875. The activity and success of this organiza- 
tion was without a parallel in the beneficent work it accomplished. In point of 
members and interest it has not since been excelled. It is to be regretted that we 
are unable to find any record of these two organizations. 



75 

Blue Hill Division, No. jS, Sons of Tetiipermuw — Organized Nov ii, 1884. 
First officers — Frances E. Hullard, \V. P.; David Y. Morrison, W. A.; M. 
Augusta Kellogg, R. S. ; W. Ellery Hullard, A. R. S ; J. W. Hume, Chap.; K. 
H.Ingram, F S. ; Ada Temperley, Treas. ; Geo. H. Clapp, Con. ; Lottie Muse, 
A. C. ; Lizzie Breathwaite, L S. ; Thomas Daggett, O. S. Present officers — W. 
Ellery Bullard, W. P.; P. A. Spencer, W. A.; A. S. Matthew.son, R. S. ; Nellie 
M. Sanger, A. R. S.; Chas. Spencer, Treas. ; F. E. Bullard, F. S. ; J- N. Tilton, 
Chap. ; H. T. Dean. Con. ; A. Montgomery, A. C. ; D. H. Chisholm, L S. ; F. T. 
Hall, O. S. Past Worthy Patriarchs— F. E. Bullard, D. Y. Morrison, Thomas 
Daggett, P. M. Hassey, F. H. Montgomery, Amelia S. Matthewson. Number of 
members at organization, 16; present membership, 39. This Division is .self- 
supporting and in a prosperous condition. 

Independent Cadets of Temperance, Star of Hope Section, No. i. — Organized 
March 27, 1884. First officers — R. C. Habberley, W. P.; Miss H. A. Perrv, 
D. W. P.; G. F. Eldridge, P. W. C. ; Alfred Mackrille. C. C. ; Lillie Hatch, 
A. C. C. ; G. W. Hodges, Sec. ; Millie Sturtevant, A. S. ; Minnie Darling. Treas., 
C. Nichols, A. T. ; A. W. Chamberlain, Chap. ; Louise Ryan, U. ; C. Balkam, G. ; 
H. Holtham, \V. ; Wm. C. Habberley, A. W. Present officers— R. C. Habberlev, 
W. P. ; Miss H. A. Perry, D. W. P.; W. Edwards, P. C. C; John Neilson, C. Q. ; 
Nettie Farnsworth, A. C. C. ; E. Slocomb, Sec; Hattie Williams, A. Sec. ; Geo. 
Church, Treas. ; Katie Ford, A. Treas. ; Bert Savage, G. ; Geo. Barritt, U. ; Fred 
Jenkins, W. ; Geo. Raynes, A. W. ; L. W. Parkhurst, Chap. Number of mem- 
bers at organization, 32 ; present membership, 65. This organization is the suc- 
cessor of the .Star of llope Temperance Society, organized March 14, iSSi, with 
the following officers: R. C. Habberley. Pres. ; Bernard Lane, V.-Pres. ; John 
Lane. Treas. ; Lillie Sweetser, Sec. ; A. N. Habberley, U. Membership at 
organization, S ; final membership, 97. 

Pearl Section, No. i. Cadets of Honor. — Organized Oct. 20, 18S4. First officers 
— D. F. Wood, W. A.; Maggie I. Parker, W. V. A.; Mary V. Habberley, 
P. W. A.; Wm. M. Cannon, \V. R. S. ; Geo. M. Butler, W. A. S. ; Lizzie E. 
Richardson, W. T. ; Geo. W. Hodges, W. F S. ; Robert C. Habberley, W. C. ; 
John J. Clingen, W. G. ; Louise E. Ramseyer, W. U. ; Henry F. Holtham, W. W.; 
L. Edward Bailey, W. S. ; Charles Balkam, R. H. S. ; Lena P^oster, L. H. S. 
Present officers — Frank R. Heustis, W. A. ; L. Gertrude Reynolds, W. V. A. ; 
Geo. C. Towle, P. W. A. ; Josie E. Thompson, W. R. S. ; Frank E. Bridgeman, 
W. A. S. ; John W. Towle, W. T. ; Lizzie Balkam, W. F. S. ; Daniel S. Taylor, 
W. C. ; Arthur Ramsever, W. G. ; William Norris, W. U. ; Charles Fenn, W. W.; 
Eldon W. Joubert, VV. S. ; Carrie L Hibbard, R. H. S. ; Geo. Fiske, L. H. S. 
Past presiding officers — D. F. Wood, George F. Eldridge, John J. Clinpen, 
George C. Towle. Number of members at organization, 2t ; present member- 
ship, 64. 

LITERARY SOCIETIES. 

Weld Circle, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Organized Se]3t. 20, 
1880. First officers — Henry F. Howard, Pres.; Chas. S. Norris, Sec. Present 
officers — J. P. Higgins, Pres.; Mrs. H. F. Howard, V.-Pres.; Mrs. J. L. Doty, 
Sec. Past Presidents — H. F. Howard, Dr. J. K. Knight, Chas. A. House, Chas. 
S. Norris. Number of members at organization, 21 ; present membership, 20. 
These figures do not give a correct idea of the number who have come under the 
influence of the Circle. A very large number have been connected with it during 
the eight years. The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle was organized in 
1878 by Dr. J. H. Vincent, who not only had the weight and wisdom to devise 
great things, but also to realize them. Chautauqua says, Christianity must not be 
afraid of culture. A Christless culture and a cultureless Christianity are alike to 
be feared ; they must be wedded. Like the statue in New York harbor with the 
torch in her hand, lighting the mariner at sea, so culture must light her wick from 
the Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and sends its 
illuminating beams world wide Each year finds new members entering the list 
for the four years' course, and thus the local circle has kept up its interest and 



76 

influence. Our meetings are open to all who, with us, desire to fill up their time 
with duty to God and man, and strive for a record 

" Which shall leave no sting in the heart of memory, 
No stain on the wing of time." 

7Viou_irkt Club. — Organized Feb. 14, 18S2. First officers — Mrs. R. Dempsey, 
Pres. ; Mrs. Porter, V.-Pres. ; Miss Elizabeth Emerson, Sec. Present officers — 
Miss M. Pratt, Pres. ; Mrs. Mason, V.-Pres. ; Miss Ella Cobb, Sec. and Treas. 
Number of members at organization, 15 ; present membership, 30 (limited). The 
club is essentially literary. 

IVentworth Club. — Organized June 10, 1884. Officers — Mrs. J. Wentworth 
Payson, Pres. ; Theodore D. Weld, Gen. H. B. Carrington, Chas. E. Hurd, 
Advisory Committee. Number of members, 50 subscribers. This club is the out- 
growth of Mrs. J. Wentworth Payson's literary evenings given at her home, 136 
Fairmount Avenue. The first of these took place June 10, 1884, when Theodore 
D. Weld read a paper on Milton's " Paradise Lost." From the inception of these 
evenings, Mrs. Payson has designed to form a salon for the literati, artists, and 
leading citizens of' Hyde Parl{. Distinguished people from different parts of the 
country and from abroad have been present at these gatherings. A high intellec- 
tual tone has prevailed and men of fine talent have contributed. Among; notable 
salons have been the " Whittier Evening," given before the Thought Club Dec. 4, 
1884, and the " Evening with Wordsworth," given by Dr. Henry N. Hudson, the 
Shakespearian editor, Aug. 10, 1883. 

Young Men'' s Lyceum. — Organized April 7, 1883. First officers — Frank B. 
Rich, Pres.; Henry White, Sec. Successive Presidents — Chas. F. Jenny, John 
Scott, John K. Wightman, Alex. Millar, Galen L. S':one, Warren F. Mclntire, 
Augustus N. Doe. Number of members at organization, 20; with a subse- 
quent membership of 41. Organized for the "improvement of its members by 
the acquisition of greater proficiency in debate, and the prcfi^er command of the 
English language." In the early part of 18S4 two public debates with the Webster 
Union of East Dedham were held, and Sept. 25, 1884, a very interesting public 
discussion on the merits of the various presidential candidates was held in G. A. R. 
Hall. 

Shakespeare Club. — Organized Oct., 1885. First officers — E. S. Paine, Pres.; 
Dr. E. H. Baxter, V.-Pres. ; Miss H. E. Tower, Sec. The organization has now 
passed into the hands of a special teacher, and has no other officers. Number of 
members at organization, 14; presen;: membership, 30. 

Grattan Literary Lnstitute. — Organized April 3, 18SS. Officers — M. F. Moylan, 
Pres ; Tas. S. Coveney, V.-Pres. ; P. H. Rooney, Sec. ; P2dward McKenna, Treas. ; 
J. H. IJrown, Wm. Brady, Thomas Mulcahey, D. Lucy, Dir. Membership, 36. 
Organized after the model of the Y. M. C. A., for literary and social purposes. 
Intend to secure quarters, and open reading-room and library. 

High School Alumni Association. — Organized July 6, 1874. First officers — 
Geo. W. Rollins, Pres. ; Lizzie D. Bunker, Sec. and Treas. Present officers — 
Wm. H. Sanger. Pres.; Wm. Hall, V.-Pres.; Laura Jenkins, Sec; Annie H. 
Miller, Treas. Pa^t Presidents — Geo W. Rollins, Harry R. Chamberlain, Henry 
White, P. Fo.x. Number of members at organization, 12; present membership, 
136. 

Fainnount School Alumni Association. — Organized Nov. 7, 1878. First officers 
— M. W. Mitchell, Pres.; E. Roberts, Jr., Lillie Booth, V.-Pres.; H. E Tower, 
Sec; Marion S. Piper, Treas. Present officers — H. C. Mandell, Pres.; E. W. 
Sawyer, V.-Pres.; Grace F. Eustis, Sec and Treas. Past Presidents — M. W. 
Mitchell, E. Roberts, Jr., Samuel E. W^ard, H. C. Mandell, G. F. Hammond, F. 
B. Rich, F. E. Blackmer. Present membership, 100. 

MUSICAL SOCIETIES. 

Hyde Park and Fairmount Choral Society. — Organized 1858. First officers — 
Prof. A. J. Robinson, Pres.; Wm. F. Gary, Sec. and Treas.; Wm. A. Blazo, 
Wm. Rogers, Esq., and I. L. Benton, Board of Managers. This society 
was organized in the fall of 1858. I. L. Benton, conductor. Constitution and 



77 

by-laws were adopted to govern the society. They prospered beyond expecta- 
tion, gave six public rehearsals each year, to the delight of the village in- 
habitants, from whom they obtained quite a sum of money and purchased a 
respectable library of music. They gave one concert, the proceeds of which went 
to purchase shade trees that are standing up and down Fairmount Avenue and 
other localities of the village to this day. On Washington's Birthday, the 22d day 
of February, 1866, they dedicated the new Music ilalj, then standing on the corner 
of Hyde Park Avenue and River Street, with a grand concert, which stood the 
criticism of one of Boston's best musical critics, and was by him pronounced as a 
very fine performance. This society was flourishing at the time of the organization 
of the town, and had on its membership roll the names of many of our prominent 
citizens. 

Hyde Park Chorus C/;//'.— Organized Dec. 21, iSyi.and continued for four sea- 
sons. First officers— Solomon Hovey, Pres.; T. C. Evans, V.-Pres.; Geo. B. War- 
ren, Sec. and Treas.; Edwin Tilden, Cond. Last officers— A. H. Brainard, Pres.; 
Geo. B. Warren, Sec. and Treas. Membership the first year, 135. This club was 
the outgrowth of rehearsals for a concert given in aid of the Public Library. It oc- 
cupied its first season with rehearsals for the World's Peace Jubilee, held in Boston 
in June, 1872, being enrolled No. 24 and furnishing over one hundred voices for the 
grand chorus. During the three following seasons, it gave several concerts of a 
high order, being well qualified therefor by the previous training. In Dec, 1874, 
it was decided to discontinue further meetings, and a few years later, it bequeathed 
all its musical property to the Choral Society. 

CJi oral Society. — Organized Oct. 9, 1S79. First officers — Thos. Chamberlain, 
Pres.; A. FI. Brainard, E. S. Hathaway, V.-Pres.; R. M. Johnson, Sec; T. C. 
Evans, Geo. B. Warren, Austin B. French, Dir.; J. W. French, Lib. Last officers 
— E. S. Hathaway, Pres. ; T. C. Evans, E. C. Farwell, V.-Pres.; A. E. Bradley, Sec ; 
Mrs. K. A. Paine, W. H. Harlow, Jas. S. Mitchell, Dir.; F. L. Johnson, Lib. Pres- 
idents — Thos. Chamberlain, R. M. Johnson, G. H. Moulton, E. S. Hathaway. 
Was in active service until 1883. 

Anniversary Chorus. Committee on Twentieth Anniversary— H. J. Whittemore, 
Ch. ; C. E. Huggins, Sec; E. L. Jennings, W. H. Harlow, J. F. Loughlin, C. F. 
Holt, G. L. Ridley. A chorus of 100 voices was organized, H. J. Whittemore, 
conductor, and Miss M. E. Whittemore, accompanist, which with the orchestra 
rendered the Hallelujah Chorus, from the oratorio of Messiah, Gloria from Mozart's 
Twelfth Mass, and other selections. A choir was also formed to sing some of the 
old time music, which was given with violin and bass viol accompaniment. At one 
of the churches a select choir of 40 voices, assisted by the quartette of the Con- 
gregational Church, gave several selections of classical music. For complete list 
of those participating in the musical exercises, see programme of services. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Fairmount Land Company and Twenty Associates. — Organized Sept. i, 1855. 
Alpheus P. Blake, Pres.; John Williams, Treas. Composed of the following gentle- 
men: Wm. E. Abbott, Amos S. Angell, A. P. Blake, E. E. Blake, Ira L. Benton, 
John N. Brown, Geo. W. Currier, H. C. Fisk, J. C. French, Wm. E. French, David 
Higgins, John Hobbs, Sam'l S. Mooney, Wm. H. Nightingale, J. Wentworth Payson, 
Dwight B. Rich, A. J. Robinson, Wm. H. Seavey, Daniel Warren, and John Wil- 
liams. From this, in 1859, grew the Real Estate and Building Company, incor- 
porated in 1 86 1. 

Social Science Association. — Organized 1873. First President — Frederic A. 
Ellis. Last officers — E. I. Humphrey, Pres.; Miss M. E. Libby, Sec; Dr. J. K. 
Knight, Treas. This organization had discussions on social questions (in public), 
and gave a course of lectures in which three of our townsmen, Messrs. C. F. Gerry, 
O. T. Gray, and E. I. Humphrey were speakers. 

Hyde Park Improvement Society- — Organized March i, 18S1. First olficers — 
Rev. P. B. Davis, Pres.; Col. J. B. Bachelder, D. L. Davis, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., 
Henry Grew, A. H. Brainard, V.-Pres.; S. G. Macomber, clerk; H. S. Bunton, 
Treas. Present officers— W. J. Stuart, Pres.; J. B. Bachelder, V.-Pres.; E. S. 



78 

Hathaway, Sec; Rob't Bleakie, Treas. Number of members at organization, 21; 
present membership, 80. Organized to encourage and stimulate all measures look- 
ing to the improvement of the town. At present in a quiescent state. 

Hyde Park Associates. — Organized Jan. 1,1887. Officers — Frederick N. Tirrell, 
Pres.; Geo. M. Rice, V.-Pres.; Ellis H. Williams, Treas.; Sidney C. Putnam, C. 
Fred Allen, Fred A. French, Trustees ; Wilbur H. Powers, Chas. Vose, Oscar W. 
Whicher, A. G. Worden, Gideon Haskell, Geo. M. Rice, Ex. Com.; Ale.x. Millar, 
Jas. F. Mooar, Asa J. Adams, Auditors. Number of members (limited), 42. 

Hyde Park Horticultural Society. — Organized May 13, 1884. First officers — 
W. C. Eustis, Pres. ; D. C. Marr, ist V.-Pres. ; Mrs. E. W. Allen, 2d V.-Pres. ; 
Dr. J. K. Knight, Sec, Mrs. B. F. Radford, Treas. ; Robert Bleakie, Andrew 
Washburn, Sylvanus Cobb, Tr., Mrs. A. H. Brainard, and Mrs. G. G. Bailey, Ex. 
Com. Present officers— W. C. Eustis, Pres. ; Chas. F. Holt, ist V.-Pres.; Mrs. D. 
W. Lewis, 2d V.-Pres. ; R. M. Johnson, Sec ; Mrs. H. S. Bunton, Treas. ; H. W. 
Killam, B. C. Vose, C. E. Roberts, Mrs. A. H. Brainard, and Mrs. A. E. Swallow, 
Ex. Com. Number of members at organization, 71 ; present membership, 96. 

Historical Society. — Organized March 15, 1887. First officers — Amos H. 
Brainard, Pres. ; Henry Grew, ist V.-Pres. ; H. B. Humphrey, Rec. Sec. ; C. F. 
Jenney, Cor. Sec; Wallace D. Lovell, Treas.; and seven curators. Present 
officers the same. Number of members at organization, 34 ; present membership, 
83. The object of this society is " the promotion of the study of history, with 
particular reference to that of Hyde Park, the preservation and perpetuation of 
the memory of persons and events connected with said town, and the collection of 
objects of historic interest." Although a young organization, the society has 
already been of great benefit. It has made a start upon an historical library, and 
the collection of matters of interest relating to the town. It observed the nine- 
teenth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, and was instrumental in 
bringing about a general observance of the twentieth anniversary by the people of 
the town. Admission fee, $2.00; annual dues, $1.00: and ladies are eligible to 
membership upon the payment of $1.00. 

Woman Suffrage Leas^ue. — Organized August, 1887. Officers — Theo. D. Weld, 
Pres.; Mrs. E. H. Webster, Mrs. Elizabeth Stuart, Mrs. Sarah E. Stone. V.-Pres.; 
Miss S. E. Swallow, Sec. and Treas. Number of members at organization, 26; 
present membership, 40. 



I 



ADDRESS. 



;V REV. PERLEY B. DAVIS. 



" This month shall be unto you the beginning of months." ICxodus xii. 2. 

There come alike to nations, communities, and individuals, 
events which mark epochs in their history, — crises which, like 
moulds, shape their future. At such junctures it is well to 
erect, as least in memory, monuments toward which thought 
may often turn with profit. In an important sense, such an 
event occurred to the inhabitants of this community, when, 
by Legislative Act ratified twenty years ago to-day by the 
Chief Executive, the people dwelling in corttiguous portions of 
Dedham, Dorchester, and Milton were incorporated into a dis- 
tinct municipality, and the town of Hyde Park was to carve her 
own future. To her this month thus became the beginning of 
months. From the history and associations of the parent 
towns — three of the most ancient and honorable in the 
Commonwealth — the new town received a valuable legacy, 
and thus had in a sense a lineage, which was in itself a proph- 
ecy of good. A score of years having passed, we are now 
called upon to furnish a report of our progress. 

In complying with the request of your committee to present 
on this occasion a brief outline of thought, I premise that only 
in the most general way shall I aim at a review of the past 
twenty years. This is not designed to be, with any minute- 
ness, an historical discourse. Statistics and details will doubt- 
less be presented elsewhere. They will not be attempted here. 
It is mine merely to point an index finger, and seek a few 
suggestions which may befit this anniversary hour. Allow me 
further to premise that in the work before me I must, of course, 



80 

speak from my own point of view. For the opinions I shall 
offer, no one is responsible but the speaker. I should, how- 
ever, fail in my understanding of the duty assigned me, as 
well as be untrue to myself, if I did not state freely my own 
convictions. No thought I may express will be yours unless 
you adopt it. 

Let us note first, that those called twenty years ago to lay 
here the foundation of a new town, were summoned to no easy 
task. People gathered from three townships were to be united 
into one local government. To these were rapidly added 
others from numerous towns and cities of this and other 
states, and from across the sea. Ours was thus a community 
far from homogeneous. It was not to be expected that their 
interests, much less their opinions, would flow easily and at 
once into the same channel. Nowhere more than in the order- 
ing of town affairs does individuality assert itself. Here every 
man esteems himself the peer of every other, and is his own 
sovereign. Those gathered here were no exceptions to this. 
They were people having ideas, and not afraid to express them. 
Whatever our young town lacked, it was not wanting in self- 
reliance. It had the ardor of youth ; there was warm blood in 
its veins. Some towns in our Commonwealth, older and doubt- 
less wiser than we, looked on, and with mingled feelings of 
amusement and dismay, saw our young Samson shake his 
locks. But though earnest and impetuous, we were not idiotic. 
We had an end to reach and bent towards it. We had no 
design of fulfilling Carlyle's definition of a balky horse, — one 
that is all move, but no go. We did go. Our motion was for- 
ward. If not always steady, it was at least steadily onward. 
We are glad to feel that we have lived to receive, and we hope, 
justly to have earned, confidence and approval from some 
towns whose words of sympathy were at first not excessive. 

Aside from our enthusiasm and determined spirit, — facts in 
themselves of greater value than material helps — few communi- 
ties ever entered upon a career of self-support with slenderer 
appliances than we. With our staff we passed over Jordan. 

Within our area was a population of about 4,000. There 
were about 475 legal voters. There were 460 dwellings. The 



8i 

supply of public buildings, located at what had previously been 
corners of towns, was of the very meagerest sort. The vital 
fluid is apt not to flow freely to the extremities. Our first 
town report shows that what is now our High School building 
(since remodelled) and a small and very antiquated structure at 
Readville were all belonging to us in the way of schoolhouses.* 
For the school children now cast upon our care, and rapidly 
increasing by immigration, accommodations had to be sought 
in halls, private buildings, soldiers' barracks, and wherever an 
entrance could be gained. The task was difficult. It was making 
bricks without straw. Well do I recall those numerous and 
anxious evening sessions of the School Board, sometimes pro- 
longed until the return of day, in which the attempt was made 
to accomplish what seemed impossible. 

Our supply of church edifices was no more ample than that 
of schoolhouses. The Baptist congregation was worshipping in 
a temporary chapel. The edifice of the Episcopal Church was 
already erected, and is the only one dating to that period. 
Other congregations had places of assembling in rooms over 
markets, stores, and tinshops. For the convenience of the 
people, the bell on the woolen mill (since burned) was rung to 
note the hours of Sabbath worship. 

In voting, we went for years, for the election of other than 
local officers, to the respective towns from which we had been 
taken. The place for holding our own elections was a non- 
descript building, which bore the euphonious name of Music 
Hall. It had already served a miscellaneous use in Boston as 
an adjunct to the Apollo Garden, and, in pieces, had been 
brought to this place on wagons. The building has since been 
removed, but its memory remains. f It was an unique structure, 
a remarkable combination of the grotesque, ornamental, and 
inconvenient. Here we held our town meetings, some of 
which were indeed phenomenal. It is to be doubted if any 

*It was afterwards decided that the small, dilapidated, and then unused Butler schoolhouse 
was also the property of the town. This building was erected in 1S04, and must rank 
among the oldest schoolhouses in the State. The frame still remains unchanged, and with a 
new and attractive exterior now affords pleasant accommodations for a primary school. 

t In a quite altered condition, the building now stands on Hyde Park Avenue, near the 
head of Lincoln Street. 



82 

other town ever quite produced their like. Whether inspired 
by the attempts at classic frescoes on the wall we may not say ; 
certain it is, the oratory was sometimes quite overpowering. 
No cradle of liberty was ever rocked by more earnest utter- 
ances. 

Of streets, there were in the central portion of the town but 
five or six which had been formally accepted. Several others 
now existing had been roughly drawn ; some having for their 
pavement stumps and roots of trees, and unlighted, afforded at 
night a precarious passage. Our post office sent away its mail, 
having the name of the town written on the letters with a pen. 
We had no fire department, no public library, no board of 
health, no system of police. It was the day of small things. 
As a town, we began our climbing at the very bottom of the 
ladder. 

Scarcely had we entered upon our career when most adverse 
circumstances overtook us. The destructive Boston fire of 
1872, followed by the prolonged depression of business, was a 
severe ordeal. Many thought it would inflict on our new town, 
a paralyzing blow. It did put our hope and courage to a severe, 
but not breaking test. We were as a ship, as yet unused to 
sea, called suddenly to buffet a gale. But though strained in 
every part, our untried craft stood up bravely against the storm, 
and outrode it. Many individuals suffered severely, and our 
growth was for a time materially checked. This financial disaster 
was, however, not without some incidental benefit. Numerous 
houses were thrown upon the market, many of which were pur- 
chased by parties who have here made permanent homes, and 
are among our most valuable citizens. Thus this Red Sea of 
difficulty did not overwhelm us, and we were spared to sing our 
song on the other side. 

From this brief outlook upon our town, when as an infant 
it first opened its eyes, we turn to an equally brief survey of it, 
now a youth of twenty years. The change is marked. Our 
population is at present but little short of 10,000. Our num- 
ber of legal voters is about 1,450. The number of dwellings is 
about 1,550. Our six or seven schoolhouses, with a seating 
capacity of about 2,000, are an honor to this, as they would be 



to any, town in the Commonwealth. Our schools take a high 
rank in the state, and our corps of teachers is, much to our 
regret, often invaded when city or other positions are to be 
filled. The town has thus far devoted to school purposes the 
sum of 3642,676.93, which is about two-fifths of its entire 
expenditures. Our seven church edifices are in appearance and 
appointments not unworthy the sacred name they bear, and the 
more sacred use they serve, and stand essentially unencum- 
bered by debt ; while to an unusual degree our various denomi- 
nations work in harmony side by side, knit by strong bands of 
fellowship. We have a vigorous Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation, whose quiet but efficient work is doing much to elevate 
our young men in physical, mental, and moral culture. We 
have an excellent public library of nearly 10,000 volumes, 
which, although its formation called forth many willing helpers, 
was largely the achievement of one of our honored citizens* (his 
name it ought to bear), whose benignant face and silvery locks 
still gladden us to look upon. We have societies and organiza- 
tions almost innumerable, for the attainment of social, literary 
and philanthropic ends, and others for the promotion of finan- 
cial gains. We have a well-equipped fire department ; a well- 
matured code of by-laws ; a vigorous board of health, and a 
system of police whose purpose for efficient service will, we 
hope, prove as ample as the means placed at their disposal. 
We have a postal department, whose rapid growth has secured 
to us an office which is a credit to our place, and inspires us 
with the hope of the early privilege of free delivery. Greatly 
to the comfort, and with wise reference to the safety of the 
town, water, and that of the purest quality, has been brought 
to our streets, and into our dwellings. Our streets, most of 
them, are excellent, and are flanked by miles of curbed and 
graded sidewalk, brick or concrete ; while of late, gleaming in 
the air, the soft and brilliant radiance of electric lights has, in 
portions of our town, turned night almost into day. It is also 
said that, by an attentive listening, the ear of faith — or fancy — 
can already hear the sound of horse cars rumbling past our 

* Theodore D. Weld, Esq. 



84 

doors. A portion of our streets are shaded by graceful trees, 
the product largely of private taste and effort, whose success in 
this direction should stimulate to much larger private and public 
expenditures to the same end. Providence has greatly favored 
us in giving to our town a most desirable situation. Our diversi- 
fied area of hills and vales affords a landscape whose variety 
and beauty are seldom equaled. Ours also, to a remarkable 
degree, is a healthful location. No prevailing epidemic has 
visited us, and the rate of our mortality is small. 

I need not say that energy and enterprise have characterized 
our community. We have far more internal vitality than per- 
tains to most towns so near a great metropolis. We are some- 
thing more than a mere sleeping-room to Boston. Our manu- 
factures, of various kinds, have been from the first, and are 
more and more becoming, an important factor in our prosperity 
and growth. Some of our manufacturing buildings are, in 
structure and appointments, as well as in the aspect of neat- 
ness they and their surroundings bear, models worthy of study 
and imitation. A pleasant feature, noticeable especially of late, 
is the endeavor widely prevalent to gather about our homes the 
appearance and appliances of taste and comfort. This aim cannot 
be too assiduously cultivated. A community is gauged as in no 
other way by the quality of its homes. Whatever elevates these 
lifts society, and enriches and purifies life in every part. Your 
speaker has often been glad to welcome strangers to our town, 
conduct them along our streets, bid them note our natural and 
acquired attractions, and from the heights which overlook our 
village point out to them the results achieved during this score 
of years. When — and may the time be hastened — upon our 
principal business street a better class of mercantile buildings 
shall prevail, and these be supplemented by an attractive and 
commodious hall, our satisfaction in drawing attention to the 
growth and enterprise of our town will be materially enhanced. 

I have said that homes and morals are closely related. I 
think the morality of our community bears favorable compari- 
son with almost any town in the Commonwealth. I am glad to 
be informed that Hyde Park affords far fewer cases at the 
county court than other places of corresponding size. 



85 

When our town was founded there was a deep-seated purpose 
to create a public sentiment and inaugurate a pohcy respecting 
temperance, which should give to the town on this subject a 
pronounced attitude. This attitude has been maintained. 
From the first, with a single exception, our vote has been for 
prohibition ; and never before by so large a majority as at the 
last election.* Our town has also the high distinction that from 
us has arisen a temperance reformerf of more than national 
repute ; through whose agency, mainly, a majority of those 
who at the end of another twenty years will, by their votes, 
rule this country, are receiving in the public schools the 
latest inculcation of science as to alcoholics and narcotics. 
This success Joseph Cook declares to be an " eighth wonder 
of the world." We may, therefore, well be glad that our 
teniperance record and influence have been so good and so wide. 
Let us not, however, in the least abate our zeal or remit our 
efforts. Let us by all means seek to combine our strength 
against a united foe, and take especial care that by no divisive 
measures or specious arguments those who should be co-laborers 
are drawn apart, leading to the result that they who are willing 
to lower the temperance standard are elected to places of official 
influence, gaining their victory because the friends of temper- 
ance stand in disunited ranks. It is the policy of our enemy 
to divide our forces while they mass their own. Let it not be 
ours to be less sagacious than they. 

I have elsewhere implied that education was fundamental in 
the thought of the founders of the town. For this they sought to 
provide the amplest opportunities possible. They felt that the 
child of to-day was the citizen of to-morrow ; that the school- 
house of to-day was the townhouse, legislature, and courthouse 
of the future. To this purpose the town has steadily adhered, 
and there is doubtless no danger that from this it will ever 
depart. To the question now somewhat discussed. Has the 
state the right to share in the education of her future citizens .-' 
there can be in America but one answer : Who, if not she, has 



*The vote for no license was 663 ; the vote for license was 267. 
tMrs. Mary H. Hunt. 



S6 

vital interest in the training of those who are soon to be her 
blood and sinew ? This truth of the state's essential connec- 
tion with education was brought to these shores in the May- 
flower, and is as firmly imbedded in our minds as is the granite 
in our hills. From every schoolhouse in every hamlet comes 
a voice that to the state belongs both the duty and the right, 
the obligation and the privilege, to provide for every child such 
an education as shall fit him for his place as an American citi- 
zen. That phrase, American citizen, bears to our ears a 
deeper, sweeter meaning than the words, Roman citizen, bore in 
the land of the Caesars. For its definition we go not back to 
the 15th century, nor do we ask of monarchies or inquire of 
ecclesiastical hierarchies. The phrase is indigenous to this 
soil. Its birthplace is in this " Land of the free, and home of 
the brave." The parent, the church, and the state are to the 
child not rival, but co-operative, educators. Neither can 
remit its part, nor take away from another its own. Macaulay's 
words are, " The education of the people should be the first 
concern of the state." This is England's thought. Germany 
has it as a fundamental principle that what is to be in the 
nation must be taught in the school. Has our Republic less 
vital interest in education than these monarchies ? The period 
of school life ends with many at the age of twelve or fourteen 
years. The duty of the state to share in this early education 
of those who are soon to be parts of herself appears from two 
considerations : 

First, the state is bound to provide the desi for all her 
patrons, present and prospective. Now, all experience demon- 
strates that for the masses the public schools are the best ; 
that there a higher knowledge, a broader outlook, a wider 
acquaintance with the nation and the world, and hence a loftier 
manhood, can be gained than is possible in sequestered nooks, 
where, isolated, withdrawn from their future companions in the 
race of life, — their comrades in life's battle, — deprived of 
the stimulus and inspiration born of contact with their 
fellows, they are expected to develop like plants hidden from 
the sun. Happily, most parents in this respect, as in others, 
desire for their children the best, and are not willing to have 



87 

it denied them. It is the duty of the state to see that they are 
protected in the full possession and enjoyment of this their 
right and privilege. 

Secondly, the state owes it to herself, to her own well-being, 
to educate those whom she is about to absorb within her own 
body. This right is inherent, and cannot be surrendered. In 
our schools are those who, in a few years, are to make and 
administer our laws ; those who are to be among the mayors of 
our cities, the governors of our states, and the judges in our 
courts. It is self-evident that those who are thus to be partici- 
pants in all branches of American government should first be 
trained in American ideas. Not to do this is to rely for our 
future dependence upon a nerveless arm, or else one in which 
has been placed a dangerous weapon. America, in the spirit 
and method of her government and institutions, must be 
directed by Americans ; not necessarily those whose bodies are 
born upon our shores, but those whose souls are infused with 
American ideas. If ever a voice is heard contrary to this, you 
may know it is not American. It is a stranger among us. Its 
speech betrayeth it. It is here to graft an alien scion on our 
stock ; to plant a foreign seed within our soil. It is neither 
of America, nor from America, and should not be heeded in 
America. It is not strange, however, inasmuch as from the 
first our public schools have been among the most potent 
agencies for instilling American ideas into the nation's life, 
that those who would ////-Americanize our youth should aim at 
the subversion of our system of public instruction. Is 
America ready to yield to this ? 

But if the state, through her schools, would give to her future 
citizens the best, and best protect herself, she must make her 
schools the best. To this end something must be provided for 
the heart as well as the head. There is no danger to our 
country so great as lack of conscience, issuing in a low stand- 
ard of morals. When morality is gone the nation perishes. 
Therefore, in our public schools there should be correct moral, 
as well as secular instruction. The Bible is the highest 
standard of morality. Hence the Bible, now too much ignored, 
must be given a prominent place, and from its imperial throne 



be allowed to proclaim its broad, benign, unsectarian truths. 
Those were wise words of Germany's new-crowned Emperor, 
sent by him throughout his wide domain : " Only a generation 
growing up upon a sound basis, in the fear of God and in sound 
morals," can endure. That from one of Europe's strongest 
thrones ! On this basis our fathers founded this Republic. 
Remove this basis and the noble fabric they builded crumbles. 
Let us beware of any seductive arguments or efforts which 
would seek to eject the Bible from our public schools, thus 
making them practically Godless, and then condemn them 
because they are such. 

Well do I remember the organizing of our first school board. 
It was in the study of the speaker. Reverently we kneeled, 
while one — still with us — lifted his voice and all our hearts 
in fervent prayer that God's blessing might rest upon the 
present and all the future interests of our schools. Shall I not 
be pardoned, if, out of a full heart, I express an earnest desire 
that that prayer be answered.? As sure as God is God His 
blessing is the beginning and the ending of all true success, 
and the entrance of His words giveth light and understanding. 
To Him and to His words, then, let us cling, — " That our sons 
may be as plants grown up in their youth ; that our daughters 
may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a 
palace. Happy is that people that is in such a case ; yea, 
happy is that people whose God is the Lord." 

Such, in brief, fellow-citizens, are some of the objects my eye 
rests upon as I look upon the past and present of our town. 
The review is instructive. It is also stimulating. To-day our 
record of twenty years closes. A new page now opens to us. 
We have accomplished much. Much remains to be accom- 
plished, and the chief value of this memorial season is its 
influence on the future. An important work remains to us in 
what we have to do among and for ourselves in improving our 
homes, and developing our own social and public life. A no 
less important work awaits us in the wider relations we sustain 
to the state and nation of which we are a portion. In moulding 
the nation's future each town is to share an important part. 
The nation is but the town enlarged. Our Republic has not 



89 

passed its period of probation. It is to be doubted if it has 
yet reached its most crucial hour. Numerous critical problems 
lie before us unsolved. It cannot be denied that dangerous 
forces are actively and widely working. Conflicting elements 
are marshalling on many fields. The spirit of discontent is 
broadly rife. Illiteracy, superstition, anarchy, passion, joined 
with cunning craft, are, with ghastly hand, feeling for the 
nation's life, aiming to destroy it, or poison it at its core. The 
sounds we sometimes hear are like the muttering of the sea 
about to be smitten by the blast. The storm signals already 
set are fluttering in the breeze. It is at a time like this our 
young town, athletic in its early manhood of a score of years, 
moves out upon the arena and takes its stand. Its loins are 
girded, and its spirit brave. It is ready for action. In the 
past our town has not been afraid to be a pioneer, a leader in 
thought and deed. The time has not gone by when the call 
will cease for those who are willing to stand in the front, 
perhaps at cost and sacrifice. Shall we be ready to heed the 
summons, and, firm in principle and obedient to duty, act well 
our part in an age when the nation and the world wants heroes .'' 
VVe hold up the lamp of our past history that it may cast its 
rays forward. We study the way we have thus far come that 
we may advance the better, with firmer tread, larger faith, and 
loftier aim. As the traveller among the Alps often in his climb- 
ing finds, in sheltered nooks, grottoes, where he may rest awhile 
and refresh himself with honey from snow-fed flowers, and 
milk fresh from the peasant's flock ; till, his eye having retraced 
the already finished journey, and surveyed the now widening 
landscape, he, strengthened and cheered by the prospect, again 
seizes his Alpine stock, and with elastic step pursues his way 
toward loftier heights and broader visions ; so we tarry for an 
hour, that by the review of the past and the survey of the 
present we may gain fresh courage and inspiration for our 
further pilgrimage. 

We are grateful that as a town we have been able to do so 
much and so well. We recognize a beneficent Hand that has thus 
far guided us. Therefore, to express our gratitude do we set up 
in the way our " stone of help," and inscribe thereon, "Hitherto 



90 

hath the Lord helped us." Still seeking Divine assistance we 
intend to be true to the motto of our town, Si tentas peTJice — If 
you begin, finish. It is not claimed that no mistakes have 
entered into our past record. It is to be regretted that a 
broader and more generous policy did not in some respects 
earlier display itself in the planning and pioneering of our town. 
In certain other respects a better studied and more conservative 
procedure at times would doubtless have saved us some embar- 
rassments, financial and otherwise. There is wisdom in the 
adage, " Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow." It is never well 
for Icarus with wings of wax to soar too near the sun. The 
way, however, to retrieve an error is first to discover it, and at 
every turn at which we have been led amiss let us erect a warn- 
ing pillar, as did Bunyan's pilgrim at the stile over which his 
feet strayed into By-Path Meadow. As to sectional jealousies, 
prejudice in judging private or official acts, methods affecting- 
our individual, social, or public transactions, which tend to blem- 
ish the fair reputation of our town — let none of these be so 
much as named among us. From our own experience and the 
observation we have had of other towns, we may, I think, learn 
some lessons of profit, among them these : 

That towns as well as persons have an individuality, some- 
thing which marks them as superior or inferior to others ; that 
to a town it is a great advantage to have a good name ; that a 
town will be essentially what the individuals are who compose 
it ; that in discharging one's duties as a citizen there is need of 
much wisdom and large charity, and that it is no sure sign 
one is a knave or an imbecile if he does not agree with us ; that 
in public as well as private, abuse is far less effective than argu- 
ment, and generally indicates fewer brains and an inferior man- 
hood ; that in one's relation to town affairs as well as else- 
where, honor is a jewel of priceless worth, and when once lost is 
hard to be regained ; that manliness may be sacrificed at the 
ballot box, and whenever bartered there is always sold cheap ; 
that true public spirit is a willingness to serve others, 
not a scheming to be served by others, and hence that pubUc 
offices are not to be sought for private ends ; that caucuses 
and town meetings are often places where masks are thrown 



91 

off, and hence become remarkable revealers of real character ; 
that victory, whenever gained unjustly, is worse than defeat, 
and that a chaplet unfairly won is apt to turn to a crown of 
thorns ; that a good name is of more value than great riches ; 
that integrity of character and uprightness of life are of su- 
preme worth, bringing their own sure and permanent reward; 
and that the best record one can leave behind is that he did 
justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with his God, 

Of those who aided in laying the foundation of our town, 
some of sainted memory, crowned with years and full of honors, 
now rest from their labors and their works do follow them. 
In a few more years all who saw the beginning of our town will 
have passed away. Instead of the fathers will be the children. 
When we shall have rendered our last service, and others shall 
build on our foundation, may they, however loftily their walls 
shall rise, take care so to rear their structure that it shall abide 
when judgment is laid to the line and righteousness to the 
plummet. And if eventually a city shall stretch beside these 
streams and along these pleasant hillsides, may it come to pass 
that both we who wrought at the foundation, and they who 
bring forth the topmost stone, shall each, at length, be wel- 
comed by Christ Himself, with the words, " Well done," into 
that city He hath builded, whose walls are jasper and whose 
gates are pearl. 



ADDRKSS. 



BY REV. RICHARD (. BARRV. 



[Substantially as follows :] 

Each Sunday we assemble here before the altars of our God 
to renew our fealty of affectionate love and to invoke the 
Divine assistance. " Piety is useful for all things." It teaches 
a man to love God and his country. After father and mother, 
the land and people among whom we live ought to be the 
objects of our dearest solicitude. It is, then, in words of con- 
gratulation, words of joy, words of exultation, that I would 
speak to-day on this festival of our beautiful town. The 
sacred edifice, where we are assembled, reminds us of our 
duties to God. But words of good will and brotherly love are 
part of religion. By the providence of God we are citizens of 
one common country, children of one common Fatherland, and 
our townspeople are our kindred. Their happiness, their pros- 
perity, their peace, their welfare, their defense should be the 
object of our most sincere and self-sacrificing devotion. We 
are as one family, as passengers in the same steamer, — all have 
a common interest, all are alike in safety or in peril. There- 
fore what concerns our town is to us an object of piety. 
Loyalty to God and patriotism walk hand in hand. Such is 
the doctrine of the church, and if we take part in the celebra- 
tion it is not from self-interest, it is not because it chimes in 
with public opinion, but because it is a duty and tribute of 
piety. 

We read the history of Hyde Park in the happy, peaceful 
homes of the people, in its noble enterprises, its charitable 
and manufacturing institutions, all manifesting a wondrous 



94 

growth, all illustrating the enlightenment of the people, all 
pointing to a brilliant future, all manifesting the mercy and 
fidelity of God to His people. It is edifying to see a people turn 
reverently to God in thanksgiving, invoking the co-operation 
of the Almighty for the future prosperity of their commun- 
ity ; for " Unless the Lord build the house, in vain do they 
labor that built it." We take a genuine pride in our town, we 
are interested in its welfare, and we shall always endeavor to 
uphold its honor and good name. This temple is erected to the 
honor and service of Almighty God. In its grandeur and 
beauty it stands as a monument of the generosity of this com- 
munity. Rich and poor are alike here. But it is especially the 
poor who find comfort here after their days of hardship and toil ; 
it is their opera house, their resting place. Here they find true 
rest of heart and courage to continue the battle of life. 

In speaking of this edifice, I would say that it has been built 
mainly out of the pennies of the poor ; but I cannot allow this 
happy occasion to pass without publicly thanking those, not of 
my faith, who have been generous in word and deed. This 
congregation owes a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. Robert 
Bleakie, who from first to last stood ready to make any sacrifice 
to assist us. Less than this I cannot say in justice to this 
generous hearted gentleman, and more than this I might easily 
add in truth, but I know that his deeds were all done to help the 
people and not to win praise from men. (The speaker then 
went on to trace the associations connecting the church with 
the history of the town and with the history of the country.) 

The church is at home in every time and place, in every class 
of the community, in every stage of cultivation. She has 
always a work to do, a harvest to reap. The Catholic Church 
is the oldest and best tried institution in the world. That 
ancient church has accompanied society through nearly nine- 
teen centuries. She has had trial of east and west, of 
monarchy and democracy, of slaves and freemen, of marts of 
commerce and centres of manufacture, of old countries and 
young, of cities and towns. 

The Catholic Church came to America with Columbus. She 
has accompanied America through her four hundred years of 



95 

history. She has been in this country from the very dawn of the 
morning. She spread her tent here in the earliest days of the 
town's history and she has grown with the development of the 
community. Her influence will always be felt on the side of 
liberty, manhood, and truth. She will fulfil her heavenly mission 
to the end. Many think that the church aims at ostentation and 
effect. She must be splendid, majestic, influential ; fine 
services, music, courtesy. These they fancy are weapons of the 
church. Well, the church cannot help being strong and 
beautiful ; it is her gift from God. But this is not her aim. 
She goes forth on one errand. She is sent to heal the 
diseases of the soul, to chasten the hearts of men because " out 
of the heart proceed evil thoughts, thefts, false testimonies, blas- 
phemies. These are the things that defile a man." The church 
has a real, earnest work to do, and she holds that it were better 
for sun and moon to drop from heaven than that a soul should 
offend God by even telling one deliberate falsehood. Her 
enemy is sin. 

The history of ages testifies that the church has been the 
source and cause of numberless temporal blessings to the world. 
These, however, she does not promise. She is in the world to 
save souls — to warn the proud — to be the solace of the forlorn, 
and the guide of the wayward. In her fold all men are equal. 
And her mission is to labor for the moral elevation of the world. 
In the fulfilment of her design she asks no civil aid. She seeks 
no state patronage. All the church wants is an open field and 
freedom to act. She will teach her children to be faithful to 
God and true to society. (Speaking more directly to Catholics, 
he said :) Let each one stand on his own ground, let each approve 
himself in his own district. Your mission is to be good Chris- 
tians and good citizens — to edify men by leading exemplary 
lives. We live in a thriving, growing town. Grow it must ; 
you cannot stop it. It will be the mission of the church to see 
that the moral development keeps pace with the material 
extension. (In concluding he said :) 

May the blessing of Almighty God descend upon this 
fair town, making its homes sacred and refined, the manners of 
the people Christian and courteous, its citizens united and 



contented, and all patriotic and happy. May religion be in 
honor ; teaching morality, temperance, and brotherly love-, and 
illumining the dreary, weary ways of common life with the 
hopes and the radiance of a better world. Amen. 

(The decorations of the church were elaborate, the music of 
the finest order, and the whole service a credit to the society 
and an illustration of the elevated taste of the people of Hyde 
Park.) 



I 



IT IS NOT A VERY LONG TIME since two citizens 
of Hyde Park drew the First and Second Prizes for 
obtaining the largest list of subscribers for a certain pub- 
lication. Here is another chance : 

SIOO GASH PRESENT 

To the aceut who secures the most subscribers 
to THE RAMBLER before June 15, 1888. Presents 
$50 to second and $25 to third largest. Extra : — 
A present of $5 for every 50 subscribers besides. 
THE RAMBLER is elegantly printed on beautiful 
calendered paper, finely illustrated, choice reading. 
Subscription price, 50 cents a year. 25 cents com- 
mission to all Agents in addition to all of above 
extras. We are bound to add 100,000 subscribers 
to our large list, and we are more than liberal. 
Surely you will not pass this by. 
pope Agents' Outfit to all readers of this 
■ 1%. C K- paper. Write to us now for sample 
RAMBLER and our grand inducements for jou to 
act for us in your locality. All Offers are genuine 
and backed by solid, honorable men. 
THE RAMBLER, New London, Conn. 



Who knows but what the Leading Prizes may come 
again to Hyde Park or some neighboring village. 

The publishers of THE RAMBLER desire to have all 
of our citizens enrolled on their subscription list ; and they 
herewith make very special inducements for a few live agents 
in this section. 

If you read this advertisement in the fall of '88, spring 
of '89, or any other time after the expiration of above offer, 
write to THE RAMBLER ; the publishers have an eye to 
business, and they always will have some grand inducements 
for you either as a subscriber or agent. 
W^rite at once. 

THE RANIBLKR, 

NEW LONDON, CONN. 



Qlobe Letter Filing Cabinets, 



.^^ 



<5> .S 



4" 




-^0^ 



t 



ALL SIZES FROM 6 TO 75 FILES. 



William W. Edwards, 

Selling Agent. 



THE GLOBE COMPANY, 

166 Devonshire St., Boston. 



HAMMOND TYPE WRITER, 





Price Machine, with two type wheels, $100.00. 



SEND I=OR 

WHat Koll-cs Say of the Hammond. Type ^A(^riter. 



THE HAMMOND TYPE WRITER CO., 

300 iA^MSHINGTON STReOT. BOSTON. TU^KSS. 



YOU CAN GET THE 



BEST 

BOOTS,= 



SHOES 



RUBBERS 

For the Least Money in Town, at 

SOTVYES', 

9 Fairmount Avenue, 

HYDE PARK, MASS. 

No trouble to show goods. 



Established in Hyde Park in 1865. 



MARK E. NOBLE, 

Druggist|>o 



"^^ 



Apothecary, 

1 neponset Block, 

HYDE PARK, MASS. 



HYDE PARK 

Co-Operative Bank, 

HYDE PARK, MASS. 

(Organized under Cliapter 224 of the Acts of 1877, 
Approved May 14, 1877.) 

Organized March 17, 1886. 

Chartered March 26, 1886. 

Began Business May 5, 1SS6. 

Authorized Capital ^1,000,000. 
Andrew \Vashburn, President. 
Richard M. Johnson, FzV? President. 
Thomas E. Faunae, Secretary and Treasurer. 

DIRECTORS. 

James D. McAvoy, Alonzo H. Ricliardson, George 
L. Stocking, David W. Lewis, George Miles, Rich- 
ard J. Sullivan, Eli B. Tasker, Edward W. Cross, 
Henry F. Arnold, Hiram J. Townsend, Geo. Hall. 

AUDITOR.-^. 

Galen L. Stone, Fred L. Johnson, Charles F. 
Morrison. 

Attorney ; Charles F. Jenney. 

Office, Everett Sq.,cor. Central Avenue. 

OFFICE HOURS: 

9 to 12 and 2 to 5 Daily: and first 
Wednesdays, 2 to G & 7. SO to 9 P. M. 

Monthly meetings are held on First Wednesday 
Evenings. 



Cotter & Jenney, 
Counsellors at Law, 

19 & 20 Rogers Building, 



209 Washington Street, 



Boston. 



James E. Cotter. Charles F. Je> 



BLAKE & RIPLEY, 

Commission Mercliants, 



AND DBALBKS IN 



Pofeip and Domestic Ffuits, 

AGENTS FOR 

CALIFORNIA FRUIT UNION, 

J. C. HOUGHTON & CO.. Liverpool, Eng., 

FLORIDA FRUIT EXCHANGE, 

THE FRANK BROS. CO., NEW YORK. 



Do not be Deceived 

BY 

Misrepresentation. 

Buy your BREAD, CAKE, and PASTRY at 

64 FAIRMOUNT AVE. 

Having leased the Bakery formerly occupied by 
Simon Weisbrod, I shall keep all kinds of 

OREKD. 

CKKO. KND 

PT^STRV. 

Also CRACKERS of all kinds 
On hand and to order. 

ICE CREAM TO ORDER IN THE SEASON, 

By the Quart or Gallon. 

Wedding Cake a Specialty. 
Hot Brown Bread and Beans Sunday Morning. 



37 CHATHAM ST 



BOSTON 



E. BLAKB. 



F. L. RIPLEY. 



HENRY S. BUNTON 

INSURANCE. 



REPRESENTING 

Royal Insurance Co. 

Of Liverpool. 

London d Lancashire Fire Ins. Co. 

Of Liverpool. 

. Pennsylvania Fire Ins. Co. 

Of Philadelphia. 



Thanking the people of Hyde Park and vicinity 
for their patronage in the past, I hope, by strict 
attention to business and keeping the best of stock, 
to merit a continuance of their support. 
Respectfully, 

E. H. GOOLD. 



Edmund Davis, 

Counsellor at Law, 

Conveyancer and Exaniioer of Titles. 



Special Attention given to Prac- 
tice IN Prorate and Equity 
Courts, and to the Set- 
tlement of Estates of 
Deceased Persons. 



Notary Public for Norfolk County. 

OFFICE : 

— - 

KVERETT BLOCK. Rooms 2 and 3 Bank Building, 

HYDE PARK. I HYDE PARK. 



S. B. BALKAM. 



TVM. H. HAH LOW. 



S. B. BALKAM & CO., 

lumliiii, Coal, Wood, Lime, Gtnieql, 

Brick, Drain Pipe, Nails, &c. 



Yard and Office : Cor. Pierce and West Streets. 

Office : Fourth door soutti of N. Y. & N. E. Depot. 



ORDERS RECEIVED AT PUTNAM WORDEN'S X- C. L. ALDEN & CO.S STORES. 



CORTICELLI WASH SILK 



PE.MIHEHT g)f£S-. 



l^repared expressly for An-needle- 
work on materials which require wash- 
Colors warranted not to "run," or 
to injure in any way the most delicate 
fabrics by us'ng Castile soap and warm 
water. 

Sold in three grades : (1) EE, coarse, 
for extra heavy outline work, or solid 
embroidery. Ten-yard skeins ; (2) No. 
.500, medium, for ordinary outline work 
or etching. Ten-yard skeins; (3) Floss 
( sometimes called Filo-floss), a fine size 
of high lustre, sold only on spools ow- 
ing to its slack twist and consequent 
delicacy. 

NONOTUCK SILK CO. 

18 SUMMER ST., BOSTON. 

Send 6 cents in stamps for sample, 
stating grade wanted. 



RUBBER HOSE 

FO R 

Garden, Lawn, #' Stable Use. 

ALSO 

THE RUBBER LINED COTON HOSE. 



HOSE REELS, NOZZLES, FOl NTAINS, 

COIPLINGS, Ac, Ac, AT 

BOTTOM PRICES. 



rOK SAIvE IN HYDE PARK 

BY THE 

STOVE AND HARDWARE DEALERS. 

FRANKLIN RUBBER CO., 

(Filler, Leonard it S.mall,) 

Mk Hoods of Every Description, 

13 FRANKLIN STREET, 

Near Washington Street, IJOSTON. 




Franklin & Shea, 

RoR^G 5rogr§ 

AND 

CARRIAGE-SMITHS, 

Cor. Central Park Ave.& River St, 



Horse Shoeing a Specialty. 

Contracted and Diseased Feet, 
Over-Reaching, and Interfering skil- 
fuHy treated. 

First Class Carriage Ironing of 
aU descriptions. 

New and Second Hand Wagons 
For Sale, or Exchanged. 



WARRANTED 
IN OLASS JARS. 

Send Postal to Box 3, Hyde Park, Mass. 



Our work Is the Best in the Market. 

Dr. P. KENISON, 

©iiip#p##lLi4^ 

Corns aud Bad Nails Extracted without pain. 

N. Y. Office, 868 Broadway, 

Between 17th and isth Streets, opposite Huyler's. 

Boston, 10 Si 18 Temple Place. 

OperatioBsonj^i^; ; ; ; ; ; f Oc. each. 



oCreems 



^^STP 



m 






CHERRINGTON. 



WINDOW 

62 Fairmount 



(Shades. 

Ave..HydePark. 



J. B. CARTER, 

com HP WOOD. 



F. D. BRIGHAM, 



)KA[.KK IN 



YARD, BUSINESS STREET. 

AND AT 

C. p. VAUGHN'S, 

ODD FELLOWS' BUILDING, 
No. 3 RIVEIR STREBT. 



Private Telephone at VAITGHN'S 
wliere orders will receive prompt at- 
tention. 



HYDE PARK STEAM MILL. 



JOHN N. BULLARD, 

Wholesale and Ketail Sealer in 

Flour, Grain, Feed, Hay, 



STRAW, AND SALT. 



HKADQUARTERS FOR ALL KINDS OF 

GRASS and GARDEN SEEDS. 

Ageui lor ilie Leading Brands of Fertilizers. 

MILL NEAR PROVIDENCE RAILROAD DEPOT, 
STORE : 

33 EVERETT BLOCK, RIVER ST. 



PKOYISIONS, 

Fruit, Vegetables, Etc. 



A FULL LINE OF 

FRESH AND SALT FISH. 

OYSTERS AND FRESH BOILED LOBSTERS 
IN THEIR SEASON. 

72 & 74 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE, 

Near N. Y. & N. E. Depot, 
HYDE PARK. 

ESTABLISHED 1874. 



JAMES B. FALL, 

DEALER IN 

Stoves, Ranges, and Furnaces. 

PLUMBING AND EOOFING. 



61 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE. 

JOBBING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 



HAIR DRESSING PARLORS, 

C. p. l'\EKNALD, Prop., 

27 FAIRMOUNT AVE., HYDE PARK, MASS. 

Shaving and Hair Cutting done in the neatest 



Special attention will be paid to Ladies' and 
Children's Hair Cutting and Shampooing. 

Note. — Ladies prefering tlieir shampooing, or 
their children's hair cut, at home, at reasonable 
pricrs, can do so by leaving word at my siore or the 
Post Office, any day except Saturday. 



PLEASE OIVE ME A <AI.L. 



FRANK W. &LEASON & CO, Merrill Underbill, 

Commission 

PLUMBERS, ^^MeRCHANT, 

Sts^in and GasFittsrs. I butter, cheese, eggs, lard and 

Country Produce, 
tea and coffee. 

38 Fairmount Avenue. 



ALSO, DEALERS IN 



STOVES, FURNACESi^^^RANGES, : 

Hardware and Lamps. CH/RLES STURTEV/NT. M. D., 

HOMCEOPATHIST, 

No. 1 Bank Building, I s maple st„ hyde park, mass.. 



Kverett Square, 



Telephone No. 9109. Lock Box 43. 



HYDE PARK, MASS. 1 office hours — 8 to q p.m.-, 4 to b p.m. 

Usually at home during the evening. 



-the: 

NORFOLK COUNTY GAZETTE. 

ESTABLISHED IN 1813. 



BUY THE 

rd Y D E I ARK Everett Squam,^ Hyde Park. 

rj^ I THE OLD RELIABLE FAMILY PAPER 




Book, Card, and Job Printing of every description. 



CLEMENT B. TOWER & CO. 



MANUFAOTTJEEES, 



Hyde Park, Mass. 



For Snow Pudding, Jellies, Creams,^ 
Blanc-Manges, &c. 



M. FUTNAM. 



A. i;. UOKDKl 



BGSJFQN BRANCH 



BO^TOpl p{]\L 



DRY GOODS, 



FANCY GOODS, 

(}r^oceitg^TeaHou^e,|2 small wares, ^ 

^ I Gents' Furnishings, (p 



21 and 23 River St., 



Cor. Hyde Park Ave., 



^ Our stock at all times embracL-s a full line of fl 

g Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, 7^ 

pJi and a very attractive assortment of 

NOVELTIES, 



i which we offer at one lowest CASH 
MYDE PMRK • • TVYT^SS. ^ price to all. 

I GIDEON H. HASKELL. 



CHARLES LEWIS, 



DEALER IN 



EVERETT Sa. MARKET, 



HYDE PARK. 

Establislied in 18G4 



Stoves, furnaces, hefry s. holtham. 



Ranges. ! PP^OYISIONS, 



Kitchen Furnishing Goods. 



Spec/a/ Attention given to Roofing, 
Plumbing, and Furnace Work. 

RIVER STREET, 

OPP. MASONIC BLOCK, 
HYDE PARK. 



. BEEF, PORK, LARD, HAMS, TRIPE, SAlf- 
SAGES, FRESH EfiGS, PURE MILK, 
FRUIT, VEGETABLES, ETC. 

Berries in tlieir Season. 
Opposite Congregational Church. 



I have weekly arrivals of Vermont Butter. I 
still solicit a trial of those fine Sugar Cured Hams, 
so widely known as tlie Pine Apple Brand. Thank- 
ing the citizens of Hyde Park for so liberal a share 
of patronage so many years, I still solicit a con- 
tinuance of the same. 



GORDON 
- 4- * * ^ THE * -H ■■■ 

CATDRDR 

AND 

GOJMFEGJIONER, 

Masonic Block, Hyde Park. 

Weddings, Receptions, and 
Banquets a Specialty. 

Creams, lees. &e. at Wholesale. 

Croquettes, Fancy Ices, and Cakes to order. 

Also Wedding Cake. 

Professional Cooks and Waiters furnished for 
Private Parties. 



Richardson & Rafter, 

CARPEKTERS 



— ) AND (— 



BFILBEBI 



Jobbing of all kinds Promptly 
Attended to. 



Shop, cor. Central Park Ay. & River St. , 

HYDE PARK. 



f MIOIS 1011101, 



DEALER IN 



The Best is The Cheapest. 



FURNACES, 

RANGES, STOVES. 

AND 

HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS. 



PLUMBE R & m FITTER, 

Rooting and Jobbing in all branches of the trade 
promptly attended to. 

64 WEST RIVER STREET, 

Near Providence R. R. Station. 

HYDE PARK, MASS. 



J. JOHNSTON, 

iage piaviin, 

HYDE PARK. 




AVE LEAD, OTHERS FOLLOW. 



^k iis. 



Mi PpK Locm IIews 

• • • • 

Is gi\'en more space bv the Boston 
Globe than by any other Boston paper. 
This, together with the fact that The 
Globe is the leading paper oi Xew 
England, is reason wh\' evervbody in 
Hyde Park should read it daih". 

The ladies and the voung people 
all like The Globe. Its stories 
and miscellaneous articles are lamous 



throuorhout the country 

c5 






^ 



W, A, WOOD & GO,, °^,.,?orNT>sT"f.r"• 



Manufacturers of and Dealers in 



ALL GRADES OF LUBRICATING 



OILS, 



100 & 102 MILK ST., 
BOSTON. 

TELEPHONE No. irST. 



Rooms, No. 55 Fairmount Ave., 

NEAR BAPTIST CHURCH. 

OFFICE HOURS, FROM 1 TO 5 P. M. 

J, P, BILLS, M. D., 

No. 24 CENTRAL AVENUE, 

Cor. Webster Street. 



XEUEPHONE 914-5. 

U. HOLZER, 

BOOK-BINDER, 

25 Bromfield Street, 
Boston, Mass. 



Hyde Park Telephone, 91 16. ESTABLISHED 1 870. Boston Telephone, 20 70. 

CHAS. M. CHAPIN, 

KIRK, LIKK, AND ACCIDKNX 

REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGES. 



Everett Square, 101 Milk St., corner Pearl, 

HYDE PARK, MASS. BOSTON, MASS. 



Extra facilities for placing large lines on Manufacturing and Merchandise 

Risks. Agent for the purchase, sale, and care of Real Estate. 

High grade mortgages negotiated. 



Telephone 1037. 



PRINTERS OK THIS BOOI> 



L. BARTA & CO., 

Book and Job Printers, 

54 Pearl Street, 



BOSTON 



PRINTINO OF- EVERY DESCRIPTION. 



Estimates Eumished. 



IVEerctiant Xailor, 

1 2 Fairmount Avenue, 



HYDE PARK. 



Fine Suits, Overcoats, &c., made to order 
from measure. 

A full assortment of Fine Tailoring Wool- 
lens constantly on hand. 

The Style and Workmanship of my gar- 
ments are first-class in every particular. 

Best Work; Bottom Prices. 

PATRONAGE SOLICITED. 




CARPENTER*- 
! AND BUILDER 



AVould respectfully announce to the people 
of Hyde Park that he "still lives" after two 
years as a Builder, in spite of the prophecy 
to the contrary. 

FIRST-CLASS WORK 

Will be given to those who wish it, as I 
have as competent mechanics as are to be 
found in town. 

All kinds of Woodwork done, including 
the building of 

HOUSES AND BATHROOMS, 

the repairing of 
LEAKS, SHINGLING, &c. 



Kheuniatic 






Shop 



Rear of Engine House, 



Boston. Mass. 



HYDE PA-RI-C. 



EVEREtr StABLES. 



o o o o 



Hack, Livery, Boarding and Sale Stables. 

A. RAYPvlOND, Proprietor. 



CENTRAL PARK AVENUE, OPPOSITE EVERETT STREET, 

HYDE PARK. MASS. 



FIRST-CLASS HACKS, CARRIAGES, ETC, FURNISHED FOR WEDDINGS, FU- 
NERALS, PLEASURE PARTIES, ETC., AT THE 
VERY LOWEST PRICES. 

ORDERS FOR PIANO and FURNITURE MOVING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 



BARGES OF ALL KINDS FOR PARTIES AND PICNICS. 
Hack at Depots on arrival of all Trains. 



BRANCH STABLES AT DEDHAM AND EAST DEDHAM. 



^^^^- i888. 

KXKRCISKS 



TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY 

OF THE 

TOWN OF HYDE PARK, 
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, and MONDAY, APRIL 23, 

1888. 



COMMITTEES OF ARRANGEMENTS, 

JAMES E. COTTER, Esq., Chairman, 

CHARLES F. JENNEY, Esq., Secretary. 



SUB-COMMITTEES, 



i^/iV^A^C^,— Robert Bleakie, Chairmn)i ; Ferdinand A. Wyman, 
Secretary ; HenrvA. Rich. Treasurer ; Orin T. Grav, Stephen B. Ballcam, 
Melville P. Morrell, Fred'k N. Tirrell, David C. Marr, Samuel R. Moseley 
J. D. McAvoy. 

CHURCH EXERCISES,— Col. John B. Bachelder, C/iatrman ; 
Amos H. Brainard, John R. Fairbanks, C. Fred Allen, E. S. Hathaway, 
R. M. Johnson, C. P .Vaughan, C B. Peare. 

MUSIC —H. J. Whittemore, GJiairma7i ; Chas. E. Hiiggins, Secre- 
tary; E. L. Jennings, Wm. H. Harlow, John F. Loughlin, Geo. L. 
Ridley, Chas. F. Holt. 

BAA^^UET,—E. I. Humphrey, C/iairman ; Chas. S. Norris, Secy ; 
Galen L. Stone, Treasurer : Frank B. Rich, Charles F. Jenney. 

OPEN-AIR EXERCISES,— ]ohn S. Bleakie, Chairman; Wallace 
D. Lovell, Secretary ; Benj. F. Radford, Horace W. Killam, Rinaldo 
Williams. Robert Scott, Jr., John H. McKenna, Daniel Sheedy, E. J. 
Hickey, H. L. Johnson. 

SCHOOL CELEBRA TIOA%—Chas. G. Chick, Chairman ; John 
F. Elliot. Secretary ; Edmund Davis, Esq., Benjamin C. Vose, Col. 
Andrew Washburn, Geo. M. Fellows, James E. Cotter, Esq., F. H. Dean, 
Henry F. Howard, E. W. Cross, D. G. Thompson. 

STATISTICS,— J. K. Knight, D. D. S., Chairman; Edmund Davis, 
Esq., Henry B. Humphrey. 



SUNDAY, APRIIv 22. 



CATHOLIC CHURCH. 



Exercises begin at 10.30 A. M., with Solemn High Mass, sung by Rev. Henry A. 
Barry, assisted by Deacon and Sub-Deacon and thirty sanctuary boys. 

PROCESSIONAL,— LAGO, ORGAN AND ORCHESTRA. 

KYRIE, Haydn 

GLORIA, Haydn 

VENI CREATOR, QUARTETTE. Aihlinger 

HISTORICAL ADDRESS, REV. RICHARD J. BARRY. 

CREDO, Haydn 

OFFERTORY, QUARTETTE. Costa 

SANCTUS, Haydn 

BENEDICTUS, QUARTETTE. Gounod 

AGNUS DEI and DONA PACEM, Haydn 

PRIESTS' MARCH, from Athalie, ORGAN AND ORCHESTRA. 

SOLOISTS:— Miss Anna Westerveldt, Soprano; Mrs. Annette Welsh-McMunn, 
Contralto; Mr. Ricliard McMunn, Tenor; Mr. Plielps, Baritone; Assisted by Boston Sym- 
phony Orchestra. Mr. McGoldrick, Organist; Mr. McMunn, Director. 

METHODIST CHURCH. 

Exercises begin at 6.30 P. M. The Old-Time Choir will sing one or two pieces and 
will then go to the Congregational Church. Male-Voice Chorus will render one or two 
selections, and the Grand Chorus of 100 voices will give the "Hallelujah Chorus," from 
Handel's "Messiah;" "Gloria" from Mozart's "12th ^lass;" "Angel of Peace" (Keller's 
American Hymn) and "To Thee, O Country," Eichbcrg : 

HISTORICAL SERMON, REV. PERLEY B. DAVIS. 

The following gentlemen are expected to be present and take part in the exercises : 

REV. AMOS WEBSTER, D. D., REV. H. L. C. BRADDON, 

HENRY S. ADAMS. 

REV. J. T. MAGRATH, ERASTUS WORTHINGTON, ESQ.., 

REV. JAMES HUXTABLE, 

REV. I. H. GILBERT, H. F. KE.VNEY, ESC^, REV. H. W. TILDEN, 

E. E. WILLIAMSON, ESQ., REV. W. H. S. VENTRES, 

REV. G. W. MANSFIELD, REV. A. H. JOHNSON. 

CHARLES W. TURNER, ESQ., REV. A. JUDSON RICH. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Exercises begin here at 7 P. M. The principal feature of the singing here will be by 
the Old-Time Choir, who will give "M.ajesty," "Sherburne," "Auld Lang Syne," 
"New Jerusalem," "Northfield," etc., with instrumental accompaniment. The chorus 
will come from the Methodist Church and render the "Gloria," from Mozart's "12th Mass" 
as a closing number. 

HISTORICAL SERMON, REV. PERLEY B. DAVIS. 

The following gentlemen are expected to be present and take part in the exercises : 
REV. W. S. WORTH, REV. A. H. JOHNSON, 

ERASTUS WORTHINGTON, ESQ., REV. JAMES HUXTABLE, 

REV. EDWARD A. RAND, REV. H. W. TILDEN, H. F. KENNEDY, ESQ., 

CHAS. W. TURNER, ESQ., REV. J. T. MAGRATH, 

REV. A. JUDSON RICH, E. E. WILLIAMSON, ESQ., 

REV. H. L. C. BRADDON. 
REV. E. W. MANSFIELD, REV. I. II. GILBERT, REV. W. H. S. VENTRES. 



MONDAY, APRII^ 23. 



FIREMEN'S PARADE. 

Tlie members of the Fire Department and their invited j^uests will assemble at the 
Engine House at 9 A. M. The procession, headed by the National Guard Brass Band, ot 
Boston, will move at 10 o'clock, over the following route: — Central Park Ave., to West 
River St., to Glenwood Ave., to Childs St., to Gordon Ave., to Austin St., to Summer St. 
Place, to Summer St., to Gordon Ave., to West River St., to Central Park Ave., to Wal'- 
nut St., to Bridge St., to Water St., to Dana Ave., to Loring St., to Williams Ave., to 
Pond St., to B^iirmount Ave., to East River St., to Arlington St., to Central Ave.', to 
Everett Square, to reviewed by the town othcials; tlience to West River St., to Central 
Park Ave., to Engine House and be dismissed. They will assemble in Engine House 
Hall for collation, and at about ao'clock will answer an alarm from Box 12 for trial. 

The following towns have signified their intention of being represented: 

TOWN OF Mn.TON, by the Board of Engineers and firemen; i steamer, i hose car- 
riage and i chemical engine. 

TOWN OF DEDHAM, by the Board ol Engineers, Hose Companies No.'s i and 2, with 
carriages. 

TOWN OF CANTON, by the Board of Engineers and firemen. 

TOWN OF HYDE PARK, by the Board of Engineers and firemen, Hook and Ladder 
Co. No. I, Hose Companies No.'s i, 2 and 3, Chemical Engine No. i, and Steamers 
No.'s I and 3. 

BAND CONCERT 

Will be given in Everett Square during the afternoon by the NATIONAL GUARD 
BAND, bf Boston. 



SCHOOLS. 

Monday will be observed bv the schools as a holiday. At 9.30 A. M. a Stereopticon 
Exhibition will be given in the Grew School Hall, for all school children of the town of 
the five lower classes; Class Vlll and under. Admission by tickets which will be 
distributed. 

At 3 P. M. there will be an entertainment given by a chorus of 150 voices from the 
High and Grammar Schools, accompanied by an orchestra; also appropriate and interest- 
ing addresses and readings by selected talent. This will be open to all. 



KVENINO CELEBRATION. 



On tlie arrival of the Governor a salute of twenty guns will be fired, and the chimes on 
the Catliolic Cliurch will be rung. At 7.30 o'clock, weather permitting, a display of fire- 
works will be given on Higli Rock, corner of Lincoln Street and Hytle Park Avenue. 

BANQUET. 



To be held in Everett Hall at 7 o'clock P. M. The invited guests are 

HIS EXCeLLENCY, OLIVER AMES, GOVERNOR. 

HIS HONOR, J. Q. A, BRACKET!, LIEUT.-GOVERNOR. 

COUNCILLOR, ELIJAH A. MORSE, of Canton. 

SENATOR, JAMES T. STEVENS, of Braintree. 

HON. CHAS. F. GERRY, of Sudbury. 

MR. E. E. WILLIAMSON, of Wollaston. MR. THEODORE D. WELD. 

MR. J. WALTER BRADLEE, of Milton. REV. P. B. DAVIS. 

MR. HOWARD COLBURN, of Dedham. REV. RICHARD. J. BARRY. 

MR. MELVILLE P. MORRELL 

Post-prandial remarks will be made by the invited guests and other prominent gentle- 
men of the town. 



- - - - - - 

LIST OF SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS 


WHO TAKE PART IN 


CHORl 


JS AND OLD-TIME SINGING. 


SOPRANOS. 




Mrs.S. B. Balkam. 


Mrs. G. H. Haskell. 


Mrs. H. G. Ravnes. 


Miss Marg-aret E. Bertram. 


Miss M. F. Hayward. 


" B. F. Radford. 


" Florence Bidwell. 


" Lilla M. Hilton. 


Miss Annie B. Raynes. 


" Bertha Bird. 


Mrs. A. D. Holmes. 


Mrs. Geo. L. Ridley. 
Miss Nellie L. Sanborn. 


Mrs. S. P. Blodgetl. 


Miss Grace E. Holt. 


Miss Nellie Brown. 


" Maria A. Hudson. 


" Jennie B. Sears. 
" Eva E. Shaw. 


Mrs. Asa W. Chamberlin. 


" Minnie F. Jacobs. 


Miss InezC. Crabtree. 


Mrs. A.H. lohnson. 


" Emily F. Sturtevant. I 


" Nellie C. Edwards. 


Miss Annie'H. Kendall. 


Mrs. E. D. Swallow. 


"• Emily M. Enneking. 
" Ethel K. Estev. 


" Edith G. Kendall. 


Miss Susan Swallow. 


" M. H. Larrabee. 


Mrs. H. W. Tilden. 


Mrs. F.D. Freeman. 


Mrs. Chas. T. Linsfham. 


Miss G. D. Underbill. 


Miss L. B. Goosjins. 


" J. F. I.oughlin. 
Miss B. A. McAuliffe. 


Mrs. Geo. B. Warren. 


•' Lillie M. Gould. 


" M. E. Warren. 


" Mamie F. Gurney. 


" Alice M. Mooar. 


" F. H. Wheeler. 


" Fannie J. Gushee. 


Mrs. E. S. Paine. 


Miss S. A. White, 


«' Jennie S. Hammond. 


" F. A. Perry. 


" Frances B. Wood. 


" Helen W. Harding. 


ALTOS. 




Mrs. Dan'l Allen. 


Mrs. E.J. Ellis. 


Mrs. Palmer Merritt. 


Miss Lizzie G. Balkam. 


Miss Grace F. Eustis. 


Miss Myra Pember. 


" M. S. Bent. 


" Annie E. Guy. 


" Mary F. Perry. 

Mrs. Samuel N. Piper. 


" Ida A. Brainard. 


" Mary V. Habberley. 


" Aifnes J. Campbell. 


Mrs. J.G. Hamblin.Jr. 


Miss L. Gertrude Reynolds. 


" Annie M. Clark. 


" "M. E. Hill. 


" Annie L. Stone. 


" Helen M. Cole. 


Miss M. E. Holmes. 


" Emma B. Walker. 


Mrs. E. I. Colesworlhy. 


Mrs. A. H. IloUvay. 


" Maggie G. Welsh. 


" E. W. Collins. 


" H. F. Iloltham. 


" Jennie Welsh. | 


Miss Clara E. Davenport. 


Miss Margaret I. Iloogs. 


Mrs. G. A. Whitcher. 


" Julia E. Donovan. 
" J. Gertrude Draper. 


" Nettie B. House. 


Miss Amy E. Whitteniore. 


" M. E. McAuliffe. 






TENORS. 




Mr. A. E. Bradley. 


Mr. Daniel I. Goss. 


Mr. L. H. Mclntire. I 


" Frank E. Bridgman. 




' W. S. Gould. 




' Jas. S. Mitchell. 
' W^m. F.Mitchell. 


«• Asa W. Chamberlin. 




' Geo. F. Gurney. 




" J.A.Crowley. 




' Geo. E. Haven. 




' Geo. W. Scrivens. 


" Albert H. Davis. 




' Chas. E. Huggins. 




' Galen L. Stone. 


" E.J.Ellis. 




' Henrv B. Humphrey. 




' Charles H. Tower. 1 


" Thomas C. Evans. 




' P. M: Hussey. 




' Robert L. White. 


'< E. C. Farwell. 




' Ed. A. Hyde'. 




' Thomas A. Wilson. I 


< " Ed. St. C. Fellows. 


BASSES. 


1 


Mr. Wm. E. Amback. 


Mr. H. S. Holtham. 


Mr. Henry C. Mandell. | 


" Moses B. Angell. 


" Henry F. Holtham. 




' Chas. H. Maxwell. 


" Ed. E. Badger. 


" A. H. Holway. 




' A. L. Mclntire. j 


" J. L. Barrv, Jr. 


" Wm. H. Horiie, 




' Fred H. S. Orcutt. 


" A. H. Brainard. 


" Jervis E. Horr. 
" Thos. Houston. 




' F. W. Pike. 


" F. P. Brigham. 




' I. E. Piper. 


" J. Adams' Brown. 


" John Houston. 




' Gro. L. Ridley. 


" Charles S. Davis. 


" L. P. Howard. 




' Walter S. Tower. || 


'= Geo. E. Doty. 


" George James. 




' Sa.mul S. Tucker. 1 


" Geo. F. Eldridge. 


" E. L. Jennings. 




' CiLu. li. Warren. 


" Chas. K. Gurney. 


" R. M.Jolinson. 




' K. H. Waters. 1 


" Wm. R. Hall. 


" Chas. W. KiUam. 




' Willis P. Whittemore. 1 


" los. G. Hamblinjr. 


Dr. C. A. Leslie. 




' Walter S. Wilcombe. 


" Wm. H. Harlow.-^ 


" J.C.Lincoln. 




' D. F. Wood. 


" Chas. E. Haliiaway. 


Mr. y. F. Loughlin. 




' Arthur A. Wood. 


" Fred Hawlev. 


" Geo. B. Migrath. 


" E. E. Young. !> 


" Chas. F. Hfilt. 




! 




INSTRUMENTALISTS. j 




VIOLINS. 




Mr. Isaac Bullard. 


Mr. Henry Landt. 


Dr. Horatio Leseur. ]} 


Mr. Mark Tibbetts. " Mr. Benj. C. Vosc. |! 


CORNET. 


VIOLA. 


BASE VIOL. 


Mr. E. S. Churchill. 


Mr. Francis M. Paine. 
PIANISTS. 


Mr. E. J. Chandler. 


Miss Mary E. Whittemo 
CONDUCTOR, 


re. 


Miss F. A. Walker. 
H. J. WHITTEMORE. 


Mr. 


LEADER OF OLD-TIME SINGING, 


Mr. C. F. holt. 



J. KEITH, 

VARIETY STORE, 

CROCKERY, 

Glass and Agate Ware, 

Tin and Kitchen Ware, 

OF ALL KINDS, 

VASES, FANCY CUPS AND 
SAUCERS, LAMPS, 

Toys in Great Variety, 

STATIONERY, JEWELRY, BAS- 
KETS, WAGONS, CARTS, and 
WHEEL-BARROWS, etc., 

_ —At the lowest Boston prices.^ — 

KEITH'S BLOCK, 

Cor. Fairmount Ave. and Pierce St. 



pyPP PAPK 



^leamLaundi'ij 



Opposite N.Y.&N.E. Depot. 



Fine Laundry Work of 
All Kinds done at short 
notice. 



Collars and Cuffs a Specialty. 

L. M. BICKFORD, Prop. 



C, 



P. VAUGH AN, 

SILVER-WARE, CUTLERY, STATIONERY, 

Fancy Goods, Pocket Books, Optical Goods, Etc., 

Fine Repairing of all kinds. Watch Repairing a specialty. 

No. 3 West River Street, - Odd Fellows Building, - Hyde Park, Mass. 

"A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER." 




^x'^^^qi «ai^ 



1 



For beauty of polish, saving of labor, freeness from dust, 
durability and cheapness, truly unrivalled in any country. 

CAUTION —Beware of worthless imitations under other names, 
put up in similar shape and color intended to deceive. Each 
package of the genuine bears our Trade Mark. Take no other. 



Established in 1871. 



QEORQE MILES, 



DEALER I\ 



Srocdrids and Crockery, 

KEEPS CONSTANTLY ON HAND 

Silas Pierce & Co.'s Selected Teas and Pure Spices, Flour, 

Crockery, and Wooden-Ware; a complete assortment 

of Canned Goods; Silas Pierce & Co.'s Canned 

Corn and Tomatoes a Specialty. 

Jhe Celebrated Plymouth pock Gelatine. 

Would respectfully invite the public generally to try my COFFEES, as for the past year 
mv coffee trade has increased more than loo per cent. 

Take particular pride in making my selections, and patrons can be assured of uniform quali- 
ties, as I purchase only of Swain, Earle & Co. 

BaTTER, GHEESE, # EGGS, 

Of best qualities and reasonable rates. Also a complete assortment of all articles to be found in 
a First-Class Grocery Store. 

CORSON^S 

Hack, Livery, Boarding, Baiting, and Express 

All kinds of Heavy Teaming, 

Pianos and Furniture Moved. 

Express leaves Hyde Park S.30 and 9.30 a. m. 

Express leaves Boston 2, 3, and 4 p. m. 

HACKS FURNISHED ON TELEPHONE ORDER. 

^ ETHAN ALLEN . . . Seating 30 People, 
BARGES: | TWILIGHT Seating 12 People, 

FURNISHED FOR PLEASURE PARTIES, etc. 

Telephone No. 9105. Boston Telephone, No. 440. 

BOSTON OFFK'ES : 75 Kilby Street. T9 Kilby Street. 67 Fraiikliu Street. 

ORDER BOX: 10 Faiieuil Hall Sq. 

OFFICE AND STABLE : 39 Central Park Avenue. 

liRANCH OFFICE: Thompson's Cigar Store, at N. Y. & N. E. R. K. Depot. 

Carriage Painting and Blacksmith Shop run in connection with the business. Orders solicited. 



HOWES & HOLBROOK. J. W. HAMMOND & CO., 

FISH DEALERS, 



We are pleased to announce that we are in- 
creasing our line of 



FAflGY E|I(OCEI(IEg 

And are now able to supply the best family trade. 



FINE MAPLE SYRUP AND SUGAR, 



,'ITH FINE GRADES OF 



PRINT AND TUB BUTTER 

From VERMONT Daily. 



Would especially call your attention to our 

STRICTLY FRESH CAPE EGGS. 



Orders taken and delivered free of charge. Your 
patronage solicited. 

HOWES & HOLBROOK, 

48 F.URMOOT AYE., HYDE PARK. 



QUINCY DYER, 



DEALER I> 



HARDWARE, 

ACl^IdULTUi^AL (^ODD^, 

GLASS, 

PAINTS, OILS, 
VARNISHES, 
JAPANS, 

BRUSHES, 
SCREEN DOORS. 

Also, a Full Line of 

STREET .^^ GARDEN HOSE. 

2&3 FAIRMOUNT AVE., 
Opp. Baptist Church. 



37 FAIRMOUNT AVE. 37 



ALL KINDS OF 



Fresh, Salt, Smoked aod Pickled Fish 



IN THEIR SEASON. 



OYSTERS A SPECIALTY. 

Omnia Vincet Amor. Maiiibus Pedi- 

1868. busque. Ita est. 1888. 

OMI POULTRY YARDS. 

'I'hr Oini strain of Plymouth Rocks, Black Breast- 
ed Red Games, Scotch Creepers, and Bantatns 

are specialties. 
Can supply any popular breed. Your patronage 

solicited. Everything First-class. 

Eggs for Hatching securely packed for shipment 

•.o any civilized soot on earth. Satisfaction 

Guaranteed. Prices Reasonable. 

Breeding Pens, trios or single birds, for sale. 

Write for what you want. 

D. F. WOOD, P. O. Box 973, 

OMI. HvDE Park, Mass. 

N. F. BERRY, 



CARPENTER AND BUILDER. 



Plans, Estimates, and Material Furnished. 



Alterations and repairs personally attended to, 
and none but the best workmen employed. New 
houses for sale. 

SHOP ON STATION STREET. 

Also, desk room at Balkam & Co.'s new coal office. 



A. G. CHILDS, 

Druggist f Apothecary, 

No. 20 FAIRMOUNT AYE., 



HYDE PARK, 



Special Attention given to Preparing 
Physicians' Prescriptions. 



MANUFACTURER OF 



BEEF, IRON AND WINE, 

A Nutritive Tonic. Equalled by few. 
Excelled by none. 



Books! Books! 

LARGEST VARIETY. 

LOWEST PRICES. 



All the New and Popular Books, together 
with a full line of Standard and Miscellaneous 
Works in every department of literature, Bibles, 
Prayer Books, Albums, etc., etc. 



OUR PRICES ARE NOTED FOR 
BEING THE LOWEST. 



DeWOLFE, FISKE & GO., 

361-365 Washington Si., Boston. 

OUR SARSAPARILLA "The Archway Bookstore." 

Is the best Spring Medicine. j C. F. FISKE, Milton Ave., Hyde Park. 

A. H. HOL^A^AY, 

Everett Sq., Hyde Park; and 309 Washington St., Boston, 

DEALER IN REAL ESTATE, 

CONTRACTOR AND APPRAISER, 

INSURANCE AGENT AND BROKER, 

Most of the time for twenty-two years, and am prepared with State and Local Licenses to place 
Fire Risks in any Company doing business in this State. Lowest estimates given for 

PAPKR HANGINOS. 



MONEY TO LOAN on Real Estate Mortgages at all times. 
LICENSED AUCTIONEER. 

Began business in Hyde Park in 1868 ; have been a resident of tlie town since 1S70. 

Have introduced to Hyde Park a large number of the resident families, and done all in my 
power to promote its true interest ; and hope by strict attention to business to merit a share of 
business in my line. 



1868. 



FIRST TWENTY YEARS 



OI= 



HYDE PARK, MASS 




1888 






J3fyVlvJ CCBRIGG5XC5 



CCBRIGG5 
SAPPLLTDNST QDSTDN MASS. 
MANUFACTURERS OF 
GRAND SQUARE £> UPRIGHT 



PIANO FORTES 




(^RA(ErULl)E3l9N3 
MAT(-HLE^^ TONt 



5OLID (ON^TKUCTION 
• J^CAUTIFUL flNI^H. 



A Celebrated Composer's Letter. 



Hyde Tar/c, March 23, 7887. 
C. C. 'Srtggs d- Co., 

6 Apple to?i Street, "Sostou. 

Ge?itteme)i : — T/fe 'Ptavo I purcftased of you /or my 
Jfusic jdoom I am very mnc/t pleased with. The tone and 
action are f)oth excellent, and it keeps in tune remarkably 
jt'ell. 

Tours truly, 

Z. O. BMEliSOA^. 



TRANGERS visiting Hyde Park, 

' and permanent residents also, 

should not fail to visit the . . 









Old Dry Gooos siaiiii, 

11 RIYER STREET, 



and examine the line of Spring Goods, 
including Ginghams, Satteens, Cham- 
brays, Cambrics; also the stock of 
Hosiery, Underwear, Gloves, Gents' 
Furnishings, etc The store is occu- 
pied by 



C. S. DAVIS & CO 



DAME, STODDARD, & KENDALL, 



HEKDQUT^RTERS I=OR 



FINE FISHING TACKLE, 

l^TXM^LM TENNIS, 

TABLE CUTLERY, RAZORS, RAZOR STRAPS, DOG COL- 
LARS, FANCY LEATHER GOODS. 

374 WASHINOTON STREET, 

Opp. Bronifield St. BOSTON. 

GaST0M tailorsT 



Our stock in its entirety is the largest, best assorted, most varied, and most replete with beautiful 
designs, of any stock shown by any Merchant Tailor in New England. 

SPRING OVERCOATS, to order, $22. 

BUSINESS SUITS, to order, $22 and $25. 

DRESS SUITS, TO order, $25 and $28. 
TROUSERS, to order, $6.50. 

For the same goods, combined with the elegance of style and superiority of our work, other mer- 
chant tailors are demanding ^lo more than we ask. 

Notice Grand Display of Sample Garments in our Windows. 

We are the largest Merchant Tailoring Establishment in New England. 

iniE TUSKKE CUST07«t iniORK ONL-V. 



Chms. Green St Co., 

MERCHANT TAILORS, 
581, 583, 585 WASHINOTON STREET 

COR. AVERY STREET, 

Between Bijou and Park Theatres. Open evenings till 8 o'clock. 




H 88 78 



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